DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair has announced its list for Iowans of the Day for the 2025 fair. It’s a collection of individuals who have shown the best sides of Iowa through hard work, integrity and an unwavering commitment to their communities. One of those individuals is from southwest Iowa and will be honored on Tuesday, August 12th: Ruby Thomas of Coin.

Ruby Thomas works full time in Clarinda but makes time to volunteer as the Coin City Council cemetery sexton. In this role, she has transformed the Elmwood Cemetery in Coin. What started as a cemetery in disrepair became a place other sextons study.

Through a local fundraising campaign, Ruby raised over $11,000 for cemetery renovations. This total increases today. Ruby’s projects include fixing damaged headstones, resetting tombstones and maintaining the grounds. Ruby’s work touches families who have loved ones buried at Elmwood.

The Iowan of the Day program was founded in 1997 by the Blue Ribbon Foundation to honor outstanding Iowans who have made a difference in their communities, according to a press release from the foundation.

Winners are selected by committee after a nomination process and receive one day of recognition during the fair. Each day at noon on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, they are presented as the Iowan of the Day. Each winner is also awarded accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, four Iowa State Fair admission tickets, four Grandstand show tickets, use of a golf cart, VIP parking and $200 cash.

Others who were named Iowans of the Day at the State Fair include, on:

Thursday, Aug. 7: Brenda DeVore of Promise City

Friday. Aug. 8: Emily Grell of Danbury

Saturday, Aug. 9: Barb Runneberg of Algona

Sunday, Aug. 10: Donna Koch of Cedar Rapids

Monday, Aug. 11: Roger & Mary Sue Chatfield of Keokuk

Wednesday, Aug. 13: Donna Brown of Cedar Falls

Thursday, Aug. 14: Peggy Smith of Baxter

Friday, Aug. 15: Jean Saveraid of Huxley

Saturday, Aug. 16: Lou Sipolt Jr. of Altoona