Posted on August 23, 2020 at 12:00 PM by Global Reach
Dee Colwell has been described by a former co-worker as having “little green clovers running through her veins.” Dee lives and breathes 4-H and youth. Among other jobs, she previously helped teach pre-school and also did day care in her home. Although she was not a 4-H member herself, all her children were 4-H’ers and her grandchildren have all been involved in 4-H. 
Dee was a 4-H leader in the Woodbine Lucky Stars 4-H club for many years and currently helps with the Hawkeye Ramblers 4-H Club and with their Clover Kids group. Dee was made an honorary 4-H member by the state 4-H office in 2003. She was a past member of the Harrison County Extension Council. In addition to her regular county 4-H and youth duties, Dee served many years as housing coordinator for the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and attended conference every year as a chaperone. From October of 1992 until her retirement in October 2019, Dee has been the lifeblood of Harrison County 4-H, encouraging youth to try new activities and projects, to do their best and to “make the best better.” As County Youth Coordinator, Dee’s tireless energy, her compassion for youth and adults and her willingness to make 4-H a great experience for all involved was renowned.
Always willing to listen to youth and adults alike, she has been a mentor to many as well as a mediator when called upon. Due to her work with southwest Iowa 4-H activities, the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and her many years of working at the Iowa State Fair, Dee, or “Grandma Dee” as she is known by many, is recognized beyond the borders of Harrison County, as well. In 1999, she received the Iowa State University Extension “Pride of Extension” award.
Dee is an active member of the Woodbine United Methodist Church. The Woodbine Kiwanis named her as Community Leader of the Year in 2010 and Alegent/Creighton Health in Harrison County honored Dee with the Citizen of the Year Excellence Award in 2013. Following Dee’s retirement from Extension and Outreach in October 2019, she has continued to work with youth not only through 4-H, but also as a TeamMates mentor at the local school. Harrison County is pleased to honor Dee Colwell for her outstanding commitment to youth and 4-H.
