4-H Hall of Fame

Back to Hall of Fame Homepage

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Katie Ramsey

Nominated by: Otero County Cooperative Extension Service

Inducted in: 2022

Katie Ramsey has been a leader for the Otero County 4-H program for eleven years and serves as the organizational leader for the Heritage 4-H Club. Katie also gives of her time as a member of the New Mexico 4-H Adult Forum Committee and as the South Eastern district representative for the 4-H Leader’s Association Executive Board. Katie is instrumental in supporting livestock practices and contests leading to increased interest in this project area. Katie is committed to the success of every child and demonstrates this success through her many hours of service to the Otero County 4-H program.

Jesse & Ann Rayroux

Nominated by: Daughters-Rachel, Janice, Judy, and Samantha

Inducted in: 2005

The Rayroux's have been a vital part of Eddy County 4-H for 50 years. Jesse has been involved in 4-H since the 1930s and was a founding member of the Eddy County Fair Board. Ann led a local 4-H club and helped many 4-H'ers complete record books that helped them win trips to the National 4-H Congress in Chicago. Ann has made clothing for state 4-H officers, chaperoned trips and helped rewrite some 4-H projects that needed updating. She started a sewing club at her daughter's grade school in Carlsbad and introduced city children to 4-H, showing them it involves more than livestock. Jesse and Ann helped their daughters win trips to Chicago, become state 4-H council officers, 4-H ambassadors and participants in the National Citizenship Conference in Washington, D.C. Their kids have continued the family tradition by raising their own kids in 4-H. Jesse and Ann have been honored by FFA, Farm Bureau and Living Desert State Park for encouraging students to take part in the community. In 1995, Jesse was featured on the cover of the 50th anniversary Eddy County Fair book. The Rayroux family received the City of Carlsbad Crawford Pioneer Award in 2005 for their contributions to the community.

Rick Richardson

Rick Richardson of Dona Ana County

Inducted in: 2019

Rick Richardson began his career with the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service in 1982 as the 4-H/Agriculture Agent in Lincoln County. After completing his service in Lincoln, Rick moved to Dona Ana where he served as the 4-H Agent before accepting a position in the State 4-H Office in 2005. He has been instrumental in planning and conducting New Agent Orientations throughout the state. He provided leadership to statewide “Schools” which are 4-H animal science hands-on learning events for members focusing on horses, beef, sheep, pigs, goats and dairy cattle. The schools also incorporated agents to work as instructors, chaperones or as active learning participants. During his tenure as the 4-H Youth Development Specialist for Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1,960 youth have gained knowledge and skills through these annual 4-H Horse and Livestock Schools.
Mr. Richardson coordinated Shooting Sports 4-H Leader Trainings and 4-H Shooting Sports contests at the state level. He assisted at the annual State 4-H Conference working with Extension Specialists in other departments and county agents to provide quality contests in areas of animal science, crops, range, land and wildlife.
As the 4-H Department Head, Mr. Richardson cultivated partnerships and secured grants and sponsorships to lower the costs of Horse and Livestock schools.
Since retirement, he is still an active 4-H volunteer and parent. He has spent a lifetime supporting and leading the 4-H program in New Mexico.

Mike and Thelma Jo (TJ) Riddle of Quay County

Inducted in: 2011

If it involves a horse in Quay County, then Mike and TJ Riddle are probably involved. They grew up in the Quay County 4-H program and have been giving back to it ever since. They began their roles as volunteers even before their children were old enough to be in 4-H. Mrs. Riddle took over the head leader position of the Wrangler 4-H club over 15 years ago and built the struggling club back up to a strong club with faithful 4-H'ers and parents. Mrs. Riddle is known for her work with youth and horses even on a state level and her children have gone a long way in the horse world. Quite an accomplishment for someone who is allergic to horses! Mr. Riddle is always the first person his wife calls on to help with a project, so he has been involved with many things. He was one of the main people responsible for remodeling a meeting room at the fairgrounds used by the 4-H clubs. He also helped plan and dig a water line for new trees which the club planted around the rodeo arena. Recently, he spent 3 days helping set up and run a ranch horse clinic and competitions and cuttings. Mr and Mrs Riddle just returned from the Western 4-H Leaders Forum in Alaska and are fired up to share what they learned with other leaders at a county leader training this Fall.

Yvonne Riley

Nominated by: Valencia County

Inducted in: 2002

Yvonne Riley has served as leader of the Valencia County 4-H dog project for more than 35 years and has instructed members throughout the county and state. She helped start dog shows at Bosque Farms, Valencia County and state fairs, serving as superintendent of the event in all three venues. She also helped organize the New Mexico State 4-H Dog School, now in its third year.

Rose Mary Rosas

Nominated by: Socorro County Extension Office

Inducted in: 2006

"Rose Mary Rosas of Socorro County Rose Mary Rosas served as the Socorro County Extension Service administrative assistant for over 29 years. When she retired in 2006, Ms. Rosas was reported saying, "One of the best things has been working with the 4-H kids. Those kids are something else." And she should know, since she is working with her third generation of 4-Hers. Ms. Rosas has been a great recruiter for the 4-H Program, including volunteering her time to assist the county council with Socorro Fun Fest. Ms. Rosas was also responsible for producing the monthly newsletter over the years. Needless to say, Rose Mary Rosas has been a tremendous asset to the Socorro County 4-H program. She volunteered her time above and beyond the call of duty to make sure things also ran smoothly. Thank you, Ms. Rosas.

Bruce and Mayme Runyan

Bruce and Mayme Runyan of Quay County

Inducted in: 2007

Bruce and Mayme Runyan have given a lifetime to 4-H. Both growing up in the program, Mrs. Runyan competed at State Conference with her sewing projects and Mr. Runyan enjoyed showing steers at the county and state fairs. Mrs. Runyan served as the McAlister 4-H Club leader from 1959-1979 offering support to the County and State 4-H Program whenever needed, including starting the Quay County 4-H Scholarship Program and working to have Lea County youth made eligible to exhibit a the Eastern New Mexico State Fair. Mr. Runyan served as a County Commissioner for 2 terms providing strong support for the County Fair, the Junior Livestock Sale and the 4-H Program. Mr. Runyan passed away in 1999, but he and his wife have left a legacy raising their children and now grandchildren in 4-H. Thank you and Congratulations, Mrs Runyan.