2011 Adair County - Rolan & Marilyn Jensen

Marilyn (Lovely) and Rolan Jensen of Fontanelle have supported 4-H in many ways from serving as club leaders to volunteering countless hours at the fair. Marilyn joined the Orient Rural Queens 4-H Club as a girl.  Some of the highlights of her 4-H career included serving as president of her 4-H club, being a delegate to the State 4-H Girls Convention and giving the top senior demonstration in the county, From Tree to Cloth.

Although never a 4-H’er himself, Rolan became a program volunteer when their children, Melinda, Melea, and Blake joined 4-H. Both Rolan and Marilyn served as club leaders. County fair is one of their passions. Rolan served on the Adair County Fair Board for 20 years including an 8 year stint as president. He encouraged youth to take on leadership roles and help make improvements in the facilities and the program.  A great team, Marilyn and Rolan worked side-by-side to ensure the best fair possible for 4-H members.  Marilyn can still be found in the 4-H and FFA Center putting her design skills to work in creating an attractive State Fair 4-H exhibit display. 

One of the Jensens’ most important contributions to the 4-H program is their belief that all youth have something valuable to contribute. Marilyn and Rolan have been there to encourage countless 4-H’ers to “make the best better.”