Lu Strangford named 2018 parade marshal

Lu Strangford was born and raised on the family ranch at Mill Iron along with her brother Bud. Her parents were Leslie and Louise Strangford.

Strangford's first job was herding sheep for her uncle, Vernon Knipfer, while he attended school in Ekalaka. She earned $5 a day. She also helped herd cattle and sheep from Mill Iron to the CY at Camp Crook, South Dakota for them. To earn money, Strangford also broke ponies and horses for $50.

4-H was a large part of her life growing up. Strangford says that she owes so much of her knowledge to 4-H. While a 4-H member, she showed registered heifer cows and fat steers. The first show she took part in at the fair in Ekalaka was in a large tent put up between the courthouse and grade school. Strangford went to 4-H congress for two years while on a livestock judging team. She also sold heifer bulls for a few years.

Strangford said that she did not want to board in Baker for high school, so she talked her dad into having a couple extra cows and letting her help on the ranch. While there, she took a correspondence course and art course. Later, she received a GED after moving to Ekalaka.

Strangford was honored to be asked to show one of her horses, Champion, in the front of the grandstand during the Days of '85 one year.

In 1959 Strangford's parents purchased the Harry and Dora Chapman ranch near Ekalaka.

At that time, she started waiting tables at the New Life Cafe for 50 cents an hour. There, she found a love for meeting people and the cafe business. Along with a friend, Doris Willson, she ran the New Life Cafe for two and a half years.

After that, Strangford managed the Old Stand Cafe for two years from Vernon and Linda Boggs.

When the Old Stand burned down, she realized her dream and built the Wagon Wheel in 1980. Strangford operated it for 35 years.

In 1978 her father passed away, leaving her to run the Chapman ranch and her brother to run the Mill Iron ranch.

Strangford is now retired from running the Wagon Wheel, but continues to run cattle and horses and manage the ranch.

For many years, Strangford has been an avid supporter of local 4-H and FFA programs. She has also supported various other youth organizations, school extracurriculars and sports, civic groups, community activities and was previously an active member of the Carter County Chamber of Commerce.