Posted on August 25, 2017 at 9:32 AM by Emily Saveraid
Alice Walters began 4-H as a Carroll County 4-H’er at the age of 9. Alice remembers wearing her 4-H uniform when she did a demonstration at the Iowa State Fair. Alice’s mother worked in Extension services and was a 4-H leader.
Alice is a 1938 graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Home Economics. She served as Greene County’s home economist for 10 years beginning in 1958. She was the first Home Economist in Greene County that started from scratch and developed programming as a county, not limited to a town or township. Alice loved teaching and thought it was very important for all 4-H’ers to complete a record book. “It was important to look at down the road and show responsibility to youth,” Alice said. She also started leader training for Home Economics and 4-H Clubs.
Alice was a judge for 4-H achievement shows and county and state fair for many years. She judged many areas including clothing and food. One of Alice’s favorite memories was the year she judged the same 4-H’ers rolls at the achievement show, county fair, and state fair. She always tried to come up with something new to say each time she judged the same exhibits.
Walters’ community involvement has been extensive. Highlights include making the initial donation to start the Greene County Community Foundation. Alice volunteered every day for 20 years in Mrs. Schwaller’s Kindergarten classroom, retiring in 2015 at the age of 99. That year, she received the Greene County Community Impact Award. She is an active member of the First United Methodist Church.
Alice will celebrate her 101st birthday on August 23rd, 2017. She has been involved with and supportive of 4-H and Extension & Outreach for over 90 years. Today, she spends much of her time with her cat, Penny, and spending time in the community and with her many nieces and nephews. Alice is a treasure in Greene County and the community is proud of her, as their inductee into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
