Otto, Ruth

Ruth OttoRuth Otto

Portage County 4-H Volunteer

In Memoriam

Ruth’s 4-H involvement began in 1955 when she helped organize the General Pipers 4-H Club, and later expanded to the county level. She was a director and former president of the 4-H Leaders Board, served on many 4-H committees, chaperoned summer camps and 4-H trips to Washington D.C., and even hosted a young woman from Uruguay through IFYE.

Ruth played an important community role as a Portage County Fair Board member. She served as the 4-H liaison for the youth programs, and it was her goal to make sure that 4-H youth remained an integral part of the county fair. This included managing the 4-H youth exhibit building.

Ruth was a dedicated life-long 4-H’er. She was a Waupaca County 4-H member for over 10 years. Her children and grandchildren are Portage County 4-H alumni, and her great-grandchildren are current members.

Ruth was a 4-H leader until her death in 2003. The Portage County 4-H program is stronger program today because of Ruth Otto.