Blanche Rosa Jones Wolf

Blanche Rosa, daughter of Elmer and Lorena Rosa, was born March 22, 1914, on a farm in Winneshiek County, nine miles south-east of Decorah, Iowa. She attended a rural school in Frankville Township. When in eighth grade, she won the Winneshiek County spelling contest. Blanche went to Ossian High School for her four years. She was valedictorian of her class and graduated from high school in 1930 at the age of 16.

Blanche attended Iowa State University in Ames (then known as Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts) from 1930-1934. Her B.S. degree was in Home Economics Education and Extension. While in college, she was active in intramural sports, president of the Campus 4-H Club and president of the Home Economics Education Club. She was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, Omicron Nu, and Phi Upsilon Omicron.

Blanche taught home economics, English and science for seven years, 1934-1941, in the high schools of Fayette and Waverly, Iowa, and Freeport, Illinois. In Waverly, she established the Vocational Homemaking Department. She was employed as Black Hawk County Extension Home Economist 1943-1946. Blanche taught adult night school many years. She was interested and active in the Boy Scout, activities of her sons and other members. She served as Den Mother when Ronald and Richard were Cub Scouts and worked with them to meet requirements for their Eagle Scout and Church, God and Country Award.

Blanche married Burdette Jones, I.S.U. Chemical Engineering 1935, in Ossian, Iowa, on September 27, 1941. Their son Ronald was born August 5, 1947, and son Richard was born October 10, 1949. Both attended Iowa State. Ronald and wife Sandra have two daughters; Jessica was born July 15, 1984, and Tiffany was born October 18, 1985. Burdette passed away September 24, 1973. Blanche married Clarence H. Wolf November 29, 1980. She has lived in the same home in Waterloo, Iowa, since 1941.

Iowa State University has always been very special to Blanche. She is a Life Member of the I.S.U. Alumni Association. She helped "Red" Barron organize alumni clubs in several counties. She was elected to be a member of the I.S.U. Alumni Association Executive Committee 1965-1971; three of those years she was secretary. In addition, Blanche was an ex-officio member 1976-1977, the year following her term as president of the I.S.U. Home Economics Alumni Association. Besides being president of the Home Economics Alumni Association, she was vice president, chairman of all the committees and a charter member. She regularly attended the annual meetings. She was present at all reunions of her Class of 1934.

Blanche was a recipient of the Alumni Merit Award presented by the Iowa State Club of Chicago and the Alumni Recognition Medal presented by the I.S.U. Alumni Association.

Active membership in the Black Hawk County I.S.U. Alumni Association and the Women's Alumnae Club was a part of Blanche's community activities. She has been a member of both since 1941, held all the offices in the Women's Club and was secretary-treasurer of the County Club. She was a Legislative Contact person for many years. Blanche was the first woman in Black Hawk County to receive the Service Key Award. She has frequently quoted "It Means Something to be an Alumnus of Iowa State."

4-H was one of the greatest influences in Blanche's life. She was a 4-H girl in Winneshiek County for eight years. During that time, she was county president, represented her county at the Iowa State Fair on a demonstration team (it was called that in the 120's.) and in the Dress Revue. She won National Championship on her Home Furnishing Unit at National 4-H Congress in Chicago. Serving as a 4-H club leader was a natural for Blanche, since both her mother and father were club leaders and members of the county 4-H club committee for more than 20 years. Blanche was a member of the State 4-H Alumni Central Committee for many years. Her interest and participation in 4-H activities were the main factors in helping her decide to attend Iowa State University.

Blanche was initiated as an Honorary 4-H member in Black Hawk County. In the National 4-H Alumni Recognition Program, she was awarded county honors in both Black Hawk County and Winneshiek County. She received the State 4-H Alumni Recognition Award in 1971 and the National Award in 1972.

Active membership and leadership in the local Delta Zeta Alumnae Club was one of Blanche's many community activities. She was selected to receive the first Delta Zeta Outstanding Alumna Award of Iowa. In 1982, she was awarded the Golden Rose for 50-year membership in Delta Zeta. She was president and treasurer of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Alumnae Panhellenic Association. Her membership in AAUW began in 1946. The Dean of Home Economics at U.N.I. and Blanche organized the Black Hawk County Home Economics Association; they were the first president and vice president.

Blanche had many hobbies. She judged 4-H exhibits presentations and dress revues at county fairs for 60 years. Judging at the National Cattle Congress is Waterloo and community and church events were on her agenda. For many years, she worked for several companies doing interviews in Iowa. Gardening was an annual affair. She and her family enjoyed traveling and camping. Blanche always enjoyed helping and working with senior citizens.