The late Darla Merwald of Marshalltown was posthumously inducted into both the Central Iowa Fair Hall of Fame and the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame in recognition of her 54 years of dedication to 4-H, horse showing, and judging. Merwald, who passed away in 2021 after battling Lewy Body Dementia, was honored for her extensive involvement, including leadership roles in 4-H clubs, judging over 40 counties, and co-chairing the Iowa State Fair horse show. Her legacy continues through the Darla Merwald Passion for Horses 4-H Scholarship Fund, which has awarded over $8,000 to Iowa youth.
Her husband Ed Merwald, daughter Missy Grothoff, and granddaughter Adalee Grothoff accepted the awards on her behalf. Ed reflected on Darla’s lifelong passion for supporting 4-H kids and her deep knowledge of horses, emphasizing her philosophy of investing in the horse rather than the trailer. Darla will also be recognized in the Iowa State Fair Hall of Fame later this year, with donations encouraged to the Iowa 4-H Foundation to honor her enduring impact.
