The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

Two local women were honored for their service to 4-H earlier this year at the Iowa State Fair.

Marsha Rehder, of Sutherland, and Becky Simons, of Webb, joined the hallowed halls with 4-H's most legendary volunteers after being nominated earlier this year. Inductees into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame represent the many people in Iowa who have contributed countless hours to the 4-H program and have worked tirelessly to see that Iowa's youth have a great learning experience in a safe and fun environment.

Each inductee has modeled volunteerism, community service, integrity and leadership to Iowa's youth. Their legacy is the young people they have mentored who will in turn support the continuation of a 4-H program that builds Iowa's leaders.

• Marsha Rehder, O'Brien County

Rehder has worked for ISU Extension & Outreach for more than 20 years. During this time, she has provided countless youth information, guidance, answers and a smile.

Rehder filled the volunteer role of club leader for the G & W Feeders while her children were in 4-H. Her love for the O'Brien County Fair and 4-H is palpable: Not only has she worked closely with the O'Brien County Fair, but she has made lifelong memories with her many coworkers.

Most of the time Rehder has held the role of office administrator, handling bills, reports, office duties, phones and customer service. She assists with fair preparation and keeps track of the wins at livestock shows. Agricultural programming is another hat Rehder wears, providing educational and continuing programs with Extension specialists to O'Brien County community members including manure and private pesticide topics.

She is also a strong supporter of the Annie's Project. Providing a program that can benefit women in agriculture is very close to her heart as she is an active participant of the family farm.

Rehder actively participates in the Annie's Alum Group in northwest Iowa that brings past women participants together to engage in an activity, talk and enjoy time away from the farm.

• Becky Simons, Clay County

Becky Simons

Simons is a long-time Clay County 4-H volunteer. She is a bright spot during the Clay County Fair and is always friendly, welcoming and helpful, especially in the horse barn.

That's not the only place you'll find her during the fair. While her kids were growing-up, they also had rabbits, and she spent many years on the Clay County Rabbit Committee. She also helps record results during part of the cattle show and is an avid photographer, assisting with both 4-H and open class photography. She is also on the state 4-H horse committee.

Becky understands helping youth in 4-H is not only about making sure every exhibitor has a good experience at the fair, it is about developing the next generation of fairgoers, farmers, church members and community members.