Posted on August 19, 2019 at 2:02 PM by Global Reach
The time and commitment Linda Rouse of Emmetsburg has committed to supporting 4-H in Palo Alto County and surrounding counties is definitely worthy of great appreciation and recognition. 
Linda began her involvement with 4-H in Pocahontas County where she was a 4-H member most of her childhood years. In the winter of 1984 she began working for ISU Extension in Palo Alto County as a part-time secretary and also did janitorial work in the office. It was at that time she began working with the Palo Alto County Fair board as their manager and remained in that position for 17 years. In the spring of 1992 she took the position of 4-H Program Assistant and continued until the fall of 1995. While she was the 4-H Program Assistant, 4-H thrived in Palo Alto County. She diligently worked with over 200 4-Hers and their families. After leaving Extension, Linda still continues to work with 4-Hers in Palo Alto County and surrounding counties serving as a county fair judge.
Linda Rouse was born and raised in Pocahontas and was the third oldest of eight children and was the oldest girl. After her mother passed at an early age Linda helped raise the rest of her siblings, especially her youngest sister, Sherri. Linda graduated from the Catholic School in Pocahontas and then went to beauty school in Des Moines. Upon returning to the area she worked at Ken’s Beauty Salon in Emmetsburg. Linda married Ray Rouse of Mallard and the two have been married over 50 years. They have three sons and four grandchildren. Linda worked for the Emmetsburg Catholic School and Louscher Family Dental. One of her favorite pastimes includes playing cards with friends and she has been in the same card club for 35 years.
Linda Rouse is also an outstanding community volunteer. Some of her volunteer work includes secretary for the VFW Auxiliary, UNIFUND treasurer, Main Street Community Theater ticket taker and usher, member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, lector and Eucharistic minister for Holy Family Catholic Church, and a judge for school speech contests.
In 1995 Linda was awarded the 4-H Alumni Award at the county awards banquet for her contributions to 4-H and now Palo Alto County is proud and honored to have her as their 2019 inductee to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame
