Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Some things haven’t changed over the course of 80 years for the Ripley County Extension Homemakers - they still like to “talk and eat” at their meetings. That’s according to Reenie Horton, who heads up the Ripley County group.

This group does much more than talk and eat. They have been true to the Homemakers Creed..."helping others, endeavoring to pass on what has benefited them...improving, enlarging and endearing the greatest institution in the world - the home.”

As the group met recently at the Grub restaurant in Osgood, 50 year and 50 year plus members were recognized, county officers were installed, clubs and presidents recognized and deceased members remembered in a short memorial service led by Marge Orman. A brief history of the group that was founded in 1928 was given by Reenie Horton.

Several members of the Ripley County Extension Homemakers have been faithful for 50 or more years. They include: Odella Booster, Eva Delay, Grace Everage, Norma Lee Hill, June Hurelbrink, Wilma Patterson, Belvadean Strimple, Lucille Warfield, Eva Fern Jackson, Norma Brandes, Truly Draut, Esther Geisler, Rosella Holzer, Ethel Mathias, Ethel Stegemoller, Nell Pollard and Colleen Lawburgh.
The installation of officers was conducted by Horton. The county office holders for the upcoming year will be: Helen Peck, president; Eva Fern Jackson, vice-president; Barbara Turner, secretary; and Marilyn Reynolds, treasurer.

President Helen Peck recognized the various clubs and their presidents represented at the annual achievement program. They are as follows: Benham Blue Bells, Beverly Prost; Correct Homemakers, Wanda Huelson; Do A Lot, Flo Miller; Golden Rule, Marilyn Reynolds; Home Arts, Valorie Ludwig and Dawn Evans; Cultural Gems, Rena Gardner; and Jolly Parkers, Mary Ann Rogers.

Years ago the organization meetings would last all day with ladies donning their best hat and gloves for the occasion. Barbara Turner demonstrated how they would greet each other in a more formal manner than today. Also, sometimes the ladies would gather and quilt all day long. They would have big meals at the homes of various club members. They were always mindful of helping others and that concept is not lost on today’s members. While their meeting agenda has changed - their motto of doing for others has not.

The ladies can be seen at various county events throughout the year, volunteering at the 4-H fair, tractor show, pumpkin show and bringing joy to children as they help with Christmas giving. They also award annual scholarships for students pursuing higher education.

President Peck thanked the ladies for their dedication to cultural arts, education, leadership, and volunteer community support.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO These ladies were recently honored at the annual Ripley County Extension Homemakers Achievement Awards event held at the Grub Co., Osgood. Pictured from left are 50-year and 50-year plus members: Rosella Holzer, Eva Fern Jackson, Eva Delay, Esther Geisler, Belvadean Strimple, Norma Lee Hill, Norma Brandes and Wilma Patterson.