She was raised with her sisters on the family's farm by her father and an elderly aunt, where among her duties were pitching hay, plowing corn, and milking cows. She rode seven miles in a horse and buggy to attend school, where she graduated in 1923 with thirteen other students. From age ten to eighteen, she was also an active member of the 4-H Club, an organization which helped youths reach their fullest potential. During her time with the club she won numerous ribbons for her breads, canned fruits and vegetables, which she had entered at state and county fairs.