2022 Montgomery County Axel & Bette Larson

Montgomery County’s 4-H Hall of Fame nominees for 2022 are Axel and Bette Larson. Axel grew up as a member of the Stennett Panthers 4-H Club in Montgomery County before graduating from Stennett High School in 1954. After two years in the United States Army, Axel returned home to farm. In 1960, he married Bette Gustafson. They have five children: Andy, Lyndee, Amy, Susan, and Sandra. When Andy was old enough to join 4-H, he joined the same club his father and grandfather had once been members. Their daughters joined the Good Luck Charms 4-H Club. Axel and Bette were both 4-H club leaders for over 10 years and their kids showed in the beef show at the Montgomery County Fair for 19 straight years. 

Axel and Bette have been actively involved in the agricultural community in Montgomery County for many years. Both served on the Montgomery County Pork Producers and Farm Bureau boards.  Bette has volunteered with “Ag in the Classroom,” organized the apple pie contest at the county fair, helped at the county fair pork booth, volunteered at the “Oregon Trail” event for Montgomery County Conservation, and has been a fair static day volunteer as a comment writer for 29 years.  She also served on the Montgomery County Historical Society board and Axel served on the United Farmers Cooperative board.