Rachel Mason Peden, Indiana - Epsilon, Woman of the Year 1972

"Mrs. R.F.D." was Rachel Peden's byline for her column, "The Hoosier's Farm Wife," which was featured as part of the Indianapolis Star and the Muncie Evening News newspapers. For thirty years she shared with readers her incredible range and depth of knowledge, interests and perceptions. A philosopher with a rare gift for finding important truths in simple things, "Mrs. R.E.D." took her column into many worlds. An English publisher who prepared a volume on internationally noted women asked about her hobbies. She responded, "People and nature, one and the same." A connection with the Knopf Publishing Company led the editor to insist that she write a book. The outcome of that request was "Rural Free." It was followed by "The Land, The People." She had a way with words that made her writing real and sincere. She shared her writing skills with her sisters, Grace Mason Lundy, Indiana - Epsilon and Miriam Mason Swain, Indiana - Epsilon.