Posted on March 31, 2011 at 11:03 AM by Global Reach
Bob Kenaley grew up in Stanton Township where he belonged to Plymouth County 4-H. The main project area he participated in was cattle. After Bob’s 4-H days were over he met Ruth who he later married. They had 2 sons and a daughter: Dan, Pat, and Margaret. They would all follow in their Dad’s footsteps as they would belong to 4-H in Stanton township. This is also where Ruth began her 4-H career as a devoted 4-H mom!
Bob and Ruth fondly remember their son Pat winning the “I Dare You” award and both Dan and Pat having an exhibit chosen to go on to the Clay County Fair. If keeping up with their own children’s 4-H lives wasn’t busy enough, Bob began to serve as a member of the 4-H & Youth Committee in 1975.
It is just when they thought their 4-H days were coming to an end as their children graduated that just the opposite would happen! In 1976 Bob was selected to be on to the Plymouth County Fairboard as a 4-H & Youth Representative. For the past 21 years he has served as Secretary under five different Presidents! Ruth would continue being involved with the fair as she became one of the Fair Office Secretaries, which she can also still be found doing today! She knows how to keep everyone in line and this makes each day run smoothly!
It is exceptional life-long volunteers as Bob & Ruth that keep the Plymouth County Fair one of the best county fairs in Iowa. Through all these years Ruth says her favorite part of being involved with 4-H and the fair is meeting all the people and working with such a great Fairboard. Bob agrees meeting all the people is a great part of the “job”! He also loves the feeling of satisfaction knowing that he helped provide such a wonderful place to show off the great talents of our Plymouth County Youth. Bob feels that his greatest reward is simply hearing a thank you at the end of a hard day from the parents, leaders, fair-goers, or 4-H’ers. It makes him feel like what he does is appreciated.
Categories: Plymouth
