by Polly Ferrell

Marla Bugbee was recently awarded the Who’s Who in Clovia Alumna award. Clovia 4-H  House was established by former 4-H girls at Kansas State University in 1931. It holds the distinction of KSU’s first cooperative living house. Today Clovia 4-H House continues to provide the most affordable housing for women students at KSU. Former 4-H women live together in a cooperative manner, sharing an average of five hours per week of housework and food preparation. The Kansas 4-H Foundation serves as the landlord for the Clovia house.

At the April 26 Clovia Celebration, Marla was honored for her outstanding lifetime achievements at home and in her community. Marla Pendergraft Bugbee embraces all of the best qualities of a Clovia woman. She entered Kansas State University in the fall of 1938 and was a member of Clovia for three semesters, until she returned home after the 1939 fall semester. She cherishes that short time at the Clovia house and the lasting friendships made there.  Marla says, “If you are a Clovia you are my friend.” She worked several jobs during those three semesters to keep herself in school — cooking meals for 90 college men at a dining facility in Aggieville and later preparing and serving meals for a family near the 303 North 16th Clovia house.

Marla lived much of her life in rural Lyon county. At age 10 she joined a 4-H club and as the years progressed, served in many positions including President of her local club and President of the Lyon County 4-H Council. While in college, Marla was a member of the K-State Collegiate 4-H Club and later helped organize the Emporia State Collegiate 4-H Club. As an adult she was a volunteer 4-H leader for over 30 years. She was co-owner of M & M Fabrics Unique in Emporia. As a professional seamstress, she made wedding dresses, men’s suits and a wide variety of other items. Even today, she is sought out to alter clothing for friends living near her at Meadowlark Hills.  

Other Clovia’s who have lived or currently live at Meadowlark Hills include Mary Elsie Border, Winona Starkey, Peggy Wood, Betty Overley, Polly Ferrell and Mary Lou Gibbs. Marla is a beautiful woman and most deserving of the Who’s Who in Clovia Alumna award.