Former Montgomery Co. 4-Her is 2026 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame Inductee

Barb Peterson Wilmeth of Creston began her 4-H experience in Montgomery County. In August, she will be inducted into the  Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame for her work as a leader and 4-H supporter in Union County.
 For more than six decades, Barb has embodied the spirit, service and heart of 4‑H, helping youth “Do the Best Better.” Her journey began in 1966 as a member in Montgomery County in 1966. In addition to being a member of the Good Luck Charms, the Stennett Panthers Boys 4‑H Club and the Red Oak Rustlers, she served on both the Montgomery County 4‑H Council and the Southwest Iowa 4‑H Council.
During her time as a member, Barb attended Citizenship Washington Focus and was a part of the first group that flew to the event. Her project work ranged from home improvement and food and nutrition to sewing and beef cattle. She is especially proud of taking award‑winning Swedish rye bread and Loc Germaine Irish biscuits to the Iowa State Fair. She remembers the challenge of converting the “teacup” measures in this Irish cookie recipe to the American measuring cup system.
 In Union County, Barb has been involved with the 4‑H program for more than 30 years. She began as a comment writer during the county fair, then became a leader of Creston’s Union County Unicorns Club. Attending 4‑H Camp in Madrid and later returning as a camp counselor were treasured experiences that she worked to recreate through a weekend retreat at the camp for club members when she became a leader. As a club leader, she also chaperoned a countywide group during an interstate exchange trip to Cloud County, Kansas, coordinating fundraising and hosting responsibilities for both the Iowa and Kansas groups.
 Barb served on the Union County Fair exhibit building committee for many years, guiding youth to the correct judges, keeping members and parents calm and keeping the process running smoothly. She served on the Union County Extension Council and has contributed her time and energy to Union County Friends of 4‑H Inc. for more than 20 years as a board member and president, supporting fundraising efforts for 4‑H youth programming within Union County.
 Perhaps nothing illustrates Barb’s dedication more than her legendary baking. For at least 20 years, she has contributed dozens of caramel rolls, cinnamon rolls and countless pies to the Union County Friends of 4‑H annual pie auction to support the youth she cares about so deeply.
 As she reflects on her decades of involvement, Barb says, “I hope I helped loads of kids in Union County have great experiences and learn many life lessons. 4‑H is an outstanding organization that helps our youth become better people while they learn useful skills they can enjoy and benefit from throughout their lives.”
 Barb’s commitment to young people extends beyond 4‑H. She served on the Creston School Board from 2001 to 2008, has been an active member of the Creston Elks for more than 20 years, including service as exalted ruler, and has spent a decade as a trustee.
 Barb and her husband, Dave, have three daughters, all of whom have been involved in 4‑H. Barb’s induction into the Iowa 4‑H Hall of Fame honors not only her years of service but the countless young people whose lives she has enriched along the way.
 Barb will be honored during the Union County Fair and inducted into the Hall of Fame on Aug. 23 at the Iowa State Fair during a 3:30 p.m. ceremony in the 4‑H Building. The Iowa 4‑H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4‑H.