Posted on August 22, 2022 at 12:25 PM by Cade Cameron
Louise was a 4-H’er in her youth, a member of the only boys club in Taylor County, as well as the Clayton Cloverleaf Girl’s club. She enjoyed exhibiting static projects, doing demonstrations, and showing cattle at county and state fairs. As an adult, Louise was a leader of the Jackson Gingerettes for 15 years, where each girl was treated as her own daughter. She spent much time at the county office as chairman of the Taylor County 4-H committee. She was a chaperone for the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, was a delegate for an Iowa Leaders Conference, and judged local Achievement Shows, as well as Ringgold County Girls 4-H Presentations.
Louise’s children were also 4-Hers, showing cattle, exhibiting static projects, and doing demonstrations at county and state levels like their mother before them. Her children were active as presidents and secretary/treasurer of Taylor County Boys and Girls 4-H.
The Weir family participated in the International Farm Youth Exchange Program, welcoming a student from Ecuador. They took him to many activities, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Years later, Louise’s eldest son and his wife piloted a plane to Ecuador, where her son was able to visit his old friend.
Louise was a dedicated farmer's "tomboy" wife. She always raised a large garden, preserving the fruits of her labor, mowed the lawn and helped with the chores and fieldwork. She made many of her and her daughter's dresses, patched many pairs of overalls and jeans (no one went to school or to the field with a hole in their knee), and darned many pairs of socks. Those were always more decorations than repairs.
Besides all of her home responsibilities, Louise was active in her community. She always did her best to help those in need, and was a member of the Union Country Club, the UK Club, the Friendship Club, the Baptist Ladies, and the local and Iowa State Angus Auxiliaries. She served as a state officer, and was president of the Iowa Auxiliary when Iowa hosted a National Angus Auxiliary!
Later in her life, Louise spent much of her time with the Taylor County Historical Society, donating time and relics. Louise embodied each of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, and placed great stock in the skills of leadership, citizenship, communication, and hard work. She inspired many, including her grand and great-grandchildren to be 4-H’ers, where they have continued her legacy, and learned so much from what 4-H has to offer.
