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Springfield, Ohio — Ryan Fife can describe the support his family has received since the death of his brother in one word: "unreal."

Neighbors, friends, 4H and FFA members have bought food, helped harvest hay and established a memorial fund to honor Austin Pitstick and his family.

"It's just been remarkable," Fife said. More than 75 people have contributed time and services.

Pitstick died after being pinned underneath a tractor Friday, July 11. The 11-year-old was a member of the Little Rascals 4H Club and was recently appointed state fair delegate for his ATV project.

He was the youngest in a family that has been involved with 4H and FFA for many years, Fife said.

Rita Waddle, the main advisor of the Little Rascals, described Pitstick as energetic, helpful and never without a smile.

"You didn't have to know him long for him to capture a place in your heart," Waddle said.

Little Rascals members plan to show Pitstick's hogs and dairy feeder at the Clark County Fair and have dedicated their fair booth to his memory, Waddle said.

Friends searched for a Massey Ferguson flag to drap on the boy's casket for days. They approached Marilyn Yowler, whose father owned field equipment.

After making numerous unsuccessful calls to Massey Ferguson officials, Yowler, who had never met the Pitsticks, sowed the flag herself.

Friends and neighbors have pitched in to harvest about 3,300 bales of hay in two days. Others cleaned and painted the wagon that pulled the 11-year-old's casket, said Tammie Stites, friend and 4H advisor.

Students plan to wear red ribbons at the fair to honor their friend, Stites said.

The Greenon FFA Alumni will sell water bottles with the ribbons at the Corn Booth, Stites said.

All fundraisers will go to a memorial fund created for the Pitsticks through Fifth-Third Bank. Additional donations can be sent there as well.

Many local stores and restaurants have provided food and water for the harvesters, including Speedway Corporate, Eby Brown, Colonial Pizza and Melody Restaurant, Stites said.

Stites said she was impressed by the support from so many people.

"It can't be described," Fife said. "It's meant so much."

Contact this reporter at 937-328-0283 or at jbalmert@coxohio.com.