Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

Ruth L. Milton

Ruth L. Milton has been involved in 4-H for more than 63 years. She began in Marion County participating in food, clothing, gardening and canning projects.  She was an active participant in the College 4-H Club and assisted with the Girls 4-H Short Courses. She became an extension professional in 1952 serving as a home demonstration agent in Gulf and Taylor counties and later was an assistant agent with primary responsibility for 4-H in Manatee County. During her tenure on the State 4-H staff she produced and edited many of the 4-H publications, programs guides, manuals and handbooks including co-authorship of “4-H Develops Capable Citizens” a chapter in Dimensions in History. She is well known and respected in the 4-H community. She is recognized as a dedicated and productive professional and has been nationally recognized for her leadership with the Florida 4-H Legislature and Community Pride 4-H programs.  She participated and held offices in many professional and community service organizations. She was a member of the Florida Association of Extension 4-H Agents, the Florida 4-H Foundation, the State Extension Home Economics Association, the League of Women Voters, the Pilot Club and the Woman’s Club. “Involvement in 4-H helped to make me what I am today. I learned the value of hard work, taking responsibility and working with others to ‘Make the Best Better,’” Milton said. Ruth Milton devoted time, energy, and thought far beyond her job requirements to improve the lives of youth in Florida 4-H programs. One of her greatest and lasting efforts, which received national acclaim, was the development of the State 4-H Legislature and the 4-H Community Pride programs. The programs served as a guide to developing stronger leadership, better citizenship, and interest in civic and community activities among participating 4-H members.