4-H Hall of Fame

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Nelda Finch

Nelda Finch of Socorro County

Inducted in: 2007

Nelda Finch recently retired as the organizational leader of the Tumbleweed 4-H Club after 18 years of service. During her tenure, Mrs. Finch created one of the largest clubs in Socorro County with over 60 members and 20 adult leaders. She has been a strong advocate for community service and a driving force behind youth attending district and state events. Mrs. Finch was instrumental in fundraising to ensure that all the youth in the county were afforded the same opportunities. She also started the Lemitar Buyers Club to solicit funds to purchase sale animals from youth in the northern part of the county at the Junior Livestock Sale. Mrs. Finch's daughter Sarah has taken over the Tumbleweed Club, continuing her mother's legacy. But never fear, Mrs. Finch is still involved - more community service, more fundraising, helping out wherever there is a need. Thank you and congratulations, Mrs. Finch.

Jesse Fitzgerald

Nominated by: Teresa Hobbs, Kimberly & William Dawson - Cibola Co.

Inducted in: 2008

Roy R. Fleming

Roy Raymond Fleming of San Juan County

Inducted in: 2007

Throughout his career, which was dedicated to working with the youth and adults in 4-H as a county extension agent, Roy Raymond Fleming had many accomplishments. Serving from 1948-1974, Mr. Fleming left his mark in Colfax, Harding, San Juan, McKinley and Rio Arriba Counties. He started the first Harding County Fair and was involved in the relocation of the San Juan County fairgrounds from Ricketts Park to its current location in McGee Park, including going out on Saturdays to help with construction of the buildings. He touched so many lives in all of the counties that he worked in and he was very proud of all the youth and always was willing to share his knowledge relating to livestock, soils and most of all leadership, as he believed in setting a good example for those he knew and worked with. He retired to Raton, NM in 1974. Mr. Fleming passed away in 1980.

Warner Fluhman

Nominated by: Harding County

Inducted in: 2002

The late Warner Fluhman supported 4-H in leadership roles that included 12 years on the Harding County Fair Board, 14 years on the school board, 25 years with New Mexico Cattle Growers and 31 years on the state Farm Bureau board. But, in addition to leadership, he took time for personal, behind-the-scenes work to help kids in 4-H succeed. As county livestock sale superintendent, he increased buyer support and sale prices for 4-H'ers, and he encouraged kids who benefited to write thank you notes and provide dinner for buyers. Today we honor his example of leadership and service.

Frances Ford

Nominated by: McKinley County

Inducted in: 2002

McKinley County 4-H leader Frances Ford has been on board for almost three decades now, diligently working to improve the organization. An active member of Extension Homemakers, her group, known as the "Grannies,"? has actively promoted literacy and scholarship programs in her area. Frances has also been instrumental in supporting the county horse show, taking the reins of the organization as superintendent for the past three years.

Larry Foster

Nominated by: Richard Andes - Curry Co.

Inducted in: 2008

Jimmie Dee Fox

Jimmie Dee Fox of De Baca County

Inducted in 2013

The late Jimmie Dee Fox of De Baca County served as a 4-H volunteer leader for 26 years in the same county that she grew up in as a member in. Mrs. Fox was a big promoter of 4-H, particularly with youth at risk. She loved helping kids with their pig and steer projects, and helped many find equipment to get them started their first year. Mrs. Fox had a "talent" for finding money. She was great at bringing outside money into the community. Mrs. Fox was loved by everyone young and old alike. The passion that she put into her work, and her dedication to community organizations, particularly the 4-H program, will be missed. She was truly a caring and hard-working individual. Her involvement in the fair and contributions to the 4-H program have made an impact on all who knew her, and will last in the program for years to come. We welcome Jimmie Dee Fox into the New Mexico 4-H Hall of Fame. Accepting this award on her behalf is her father, Jim Fox.

LaHonda Fox

Nominated by: Leigh Ann Marez - DeBaca Co.

Inducted in: 2008

Linda Francisco

Nominated by: Marcella Talamante

Inducted by: 2019

Linda Francisco is dedicated to the 4-H Youth Development Program. As a 4-H parent, she encouraged her children to take advantage of the opportunities the program had to offer. She urged them to take an active role in their future and participate in various leadership roles. In addition to giving her time, she gave priceless opportunities to all 4-Hers.
Mrs. Francisco joined the NMSU Extension Team in 1997 and her passion to provide learning opportunities for youth only grew. She conducted local after school programs and supported 4-H clubs. She rose to the challenge of meeting the needs of 4-H families and local communities in the absence of a Rio Arriba 4-H agent. She took an active role at the County, District, State and Regional levels through educational presentations and workshops. She contributed leadership to the New Mexico Volunteer Leader Association and provided guidance to developing many 4-H publications.
Mrs. Francisco's true passion, however, was working with Cloverbuds. She gave endless hours and dedication planning and conducting the Rio Arriba County Cloverbud Day Camp. She embodies all the many great principles and attributes of the Cooperative Extension Service, the 4-H Youth Development Program and a true educator. Her kind heart and loving spirit make all feel welcome.
After 22 years, Mrs. Francisco retired from the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service. While her presence is missed in the office, her work of helping others remains. She continues to go above and beyond to meet the needs of others.

Clara Franklin

Nominated by: Jerry Franklin - Quay Co.

Inducted in: 2008

Jerry Franklin

Jerry Franklin of Quay County

Inducted in 2009

Mr. Jerry Franklin was a resident of Quay County for over 25 years, and the impression he left upon Quay County 4-H will never be forgotten. As an FFA advisor and coach in San Jon and Logan, Mr. Franklin touched many lives of the students he worked with through FFA and basketball. As a strong supporter of 4-H in Quay County, Mr. Franklin served in many different capacities. He was a member of the Quay County Fair Board and volunteered his time as the sheep and goat superintendent at the Quay County Fair. He coordinated the timed events at the Quay County 4-H Rodeo and also was a member of the Quay County 4-H Rodeo and Horseshow Committee for many years. Everyone who knew Mr. Franklin can attest that he was always willing to help and teach the youth and adults of Quay County and New Mexico. As a mentor to many, he often gave advice to many Extension agents and agri-science teachers in the state, but his true passion was in the development of young people. He truly believed in learning by doing. Mr. Franklins lasting mark on 4-H in Quay County and New Mexico will be indelible and it is certainly befitting to have him as a member of the New Mexico 4-H Hall of Fame. Mr. Franklins plaque is being accepted on his behalf by his wife, Carolyn Franklin.