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Delbertine Hurley (Della) Greenwood 1926-2025

Although Della was a “city girl,” she adapted to ranch life. She learned to ride and was, for a time, the only help Hart had. She taught her daughters how to ride by carrying them on a pillow in front of her while she and Hart worked cattle. When the girls and then their son, Trey, were old enough to replace her as cowhands, she stopped riding and perfected her ranch cooking. Her branding dinners were renowned. She learned the ranching business and spent many hours “conjecturing” about which cows to sell and which to keep.

Jack "Bubby" Bebo - 1942-2025

Throughout his life he enjoyed golfing, team roping, reading fiction novels, going to coffee and of course, dancing. He loved his family fiercely and served his country in Viet Nam. He was extremely kind, he loved to laugh, he was always willing to lend a helping hand and he never met a stranger. But most of all, he had an extraordinary heart (both literally and figuratively).

Melvin "Mel" O. Potter- 1935-2025

Mel’s rodeo repertoire also included the role of stock contractor with his Rodeos Inc. The outfit owned four straight Saddle Broncs of the NFR in Tea Trader (1966), Sheep Mountain (1967), and Major Reno (1968-69). Mel started roping when he was 13, and loved it for 70 years. Even having the shoulder on his roping arm replaced couldn’t stop him. Father Time finally told him it was time to hang up his ropes, but Mel followed the cowboy sport with his last breath and truly loved it. Mel roped at his last Great Lakes Circuit Finals when he was 75 in 2010. Always a consummate competitor, he won his last team roping check 10 years ago at 80. Mel’s rodeo accolades are many, and in addition to being inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs as a rodeo notable in 2022, he was honored at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City with induction and the prestigious Ben Johnson Memorial Award in 2005. Potter was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of

Basil Anthony “Bucky” Nastri Jr. 1956-2025

Bucky was a natural born cowboy! Bucky was a calf roper and a fantastic team roper. He was a champion of the Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association, World Series and USTRC Team Ropers and Dodge National Rodeo Circuit finals qualifier. Bucky was loved by so many around the country for his loyalty, friendship and great sense of humor! He was the life of the party! Bucky will be greatly missed by all!

Talaura "TR" Frost- 2001-2024

Talented in the art of team roping, Talaura served as the team roping director alongside her dad, she was the AZ High School Rodeo president, sharing countless memorable moments in the arena. Despite receiving a Rodeo scholarship, she made the transformative decision to pursue her dream in equine dentistry, a testament to her dedication and love for horses. In addition to her passion for horses, Talaura had a heart of gold, especially for animals. She adored dogs too, with a special bond to her emotional support dachshund, "Biscuit." Her love for animals extended to the countless stray dogs she wished to rescue, embodying her compassionate spirit. "Can we keep it?, we need it, it's Biscuits brother! The only thing she loved more was her fiancé, Brandon and the sweet baby boy they were expecting in May.

Perri Vicente Sanchez- 1965-2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Perri Vicente Sanchez of Belen, New Mexico, who passed away on December 22, 2024, at the age of 59, leaving to mourn family and friends.

Bill Wineman - 1953-2024

He was a member of numerous team roping associations, The Santa Maria Elks, and The Vaqueros. He was an avid hunter who loved for Deb to get her buck first. He was a very kind and gentle soul.

Billy Gene "Bubba" Wilson Jr. - 1952-2024

He was a Cowboy Heritage Church of Clyde member and competed in several Team Roping Associations. Over the years, Bubba worked on many ranches. He lived a life that many would consider that of a true cowboy. Bubba would tell folks he was a “horse rider,”:- adding that he would “ride a horse until it gave up!”

Jonathan David Coe- 1953-2024

During his lifetime, he was a Senior Pastor, successful executive, small business owner, teacher, coach, rancher, avid team roper and beloved husband. The only thing Jon was more passionate about than roping and basketball, was Jesus. Jon gave his life to the Lord early as a child and spent virtually all of his life in some type of ministry. He spent many years as a youth pastor before becoming a Church Pastor.

KR "Popeye" Boultinghouse - 1938-2024

Popeye was lucky enough to have 3 beautiful girls with his first wife, Charlotte. Then he spent 55 years with Jan Yates Boultinghouse where he was blessed with another beautiful daughter and son. He decided to become a team roper at the age of 37. He soon became known for his "one swing" and having an eye for talented horses. He made many lifelong friends that he cherished in the rodeo world. He loved to teach and helped anyone willing to work at roping. He and Jan opened their home to many aspiring team ropers, with several of them becoming World Champions, and many more were National Finals Rodeo qualifiers.

Alice JoeAnn Branquinho - 1943-2024

Always an entrepreneur and successful business woman, she had many different ventures but was a saleswoman at heart. A cattlewoman, a cowgirl and competitive team roper, she loved hunting and the outdoors. She was an excellent cook and all who knew her have memories of the wonderful meals we shared. She was a true friend to so many and will be greatly missed.

Frank A. DuBois - 1947- 2024

Frank was an avid team roper. Winning 4 trophy saddles, 7 buckles, and a hay barn before Multiple Sclerosis took his favorite hobby from him. He decided to focus on supporting rodeo athletes. He was the driving force behind the first rodeo coaching position at NMSU and helped raise money for rodeo scholarships. His heritage will carry on through the NMSU rodeo program and his cherished DuBois Award winners. Frank adored and greatly missed his wife Sharon, who lost her battle with cancer in 2020. She was always his biggest supporter. Sharon devoted her love and time to stand by Frank through his toughest hours. They loved to dance and couldn’t resist a good waltz. Frank, the true romantic he was, decided to join his wife on her birthday.

Lynden Boyd Williams - 1952-2024

Lynden Boyd Williams, 72, of Blackfoot, Idaho passed away on Sunday, October 6th, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family and dear friends. He was taught the "Ranch Life" and fell in love with it. He loved horses and all that went with them. He had a good eye for finding both cattle and horses. He learned the occupation of buying and selling dairy cows and created a very profitable business. This allowed him to pursue his greatest love, team roping. He was able to excel in this sport and won many saddles, belt buckles, and monetary prizes. His love of this led him to spend several winters in Arizona where he could continue team roping year-round.

Dwayne "Buster" Wilcox - 1980-2024

Dwayne "Buster" Wilcox age, 44, a resident of Belen, New Mexico, and originally from Grants, New Mexico, passed away on September 10, 2024. Buster possessed an infectious personality. He never met a stranger and always had a smile and a joke. His love for his family was strong and had no bounds.

Tyrel Campbell 1982-2024

In early 2020, Tyrel and Stormi moved their family to Graham. At that time, he worked in the oil and gas industry, which often forced him to travel for work. Undeterred, Ty continued to nurture his lifetime goal and roped every opportunity he could. In 2021, Tyrel and his cousin Mac finally qualified for the World Series Finale. That December, the pair went to Las Vegas and won the #8.5! Tyrel transitioned from working in the West Texas oilfield in 2023, when he started a land management company, enabling him to spend more time with his beloved family. Tyrel and Stormi worked together to build Lochland Farm & Ranch Solutions, strengthening their partnership and family bond.Tyrel's passion for life followed him wherever he went. His honesty, work ethic, and humor brought the best out of those around him. Because of this endearing quality, Ty made friends quickly and all over Texas.

Sid Cooley 1951-2024

Sid Cooley, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and lifelong team roper, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, he lived a life full of adventure, love, hard work, and devotion to his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, prosperity, tender-heartedness, and an unyielding love for his family. His laughter, wisdom, and the many stories will forever live on within his loved ones. “It’s not about the rope; it’s about the ride.” His ride here on earth may be over, but his legacy will continue through the love he gave, the joy he brought, the comfort he provided, and the lessons he taught.

Ned Tietjen - 1944-2024

A man of deep faith, Ned lived a life of service and always put the needs of others before his own. He was the embodiment of encouragement, support, and kindness, uplifting everyone he met. Ned left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him. His smile, warmth, and loving spirit were a light to all who crossed his path. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people, often through his wonderful sense of humor. Those who knew him all have their own treasured memories and funny stories of time spent together. An accomplished horseman and cowboy, Ned was passionate about roping, rodeo, and spending time with his horses and dogs.

Christian Robert Pettigrew- 1991-2024

Christian Robert Pettigrew, 33 a lifelong resident and rancher in Fort Sumner passed away Thursday, August 22, 2024 in an accident. He was born March 29, 1991 in Albuquerque, NM to the home of Mike and Laurie (Biglow) Pettigrew. He grew up on the family ranch north of Fort Sumner. He graduated from Fort Sumner High School in 2009 where he was active in football, basketball, 4-H, FFA, and Rodeo. He attended ENMU and graduated with is Bachelor's Degree.

Randal "Randy" Lynn Crump - 1968-2024

Team roping was Randy’s life. He would rope with anyone, anywhere, any time and any age. He was a winner and has many buckles and saddles to show for it, but would give them away in a heartbeat. He enjoyed ranch rodeos, fishing and watching any kind of sport he could get on TV. In addition to all of his rodeo activities, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He was a protector, loving, the best hug giver, a man with the biggest heart, and he loved to tell jokes and stories.

Ace Ashford (2006-2024)

Born Feb. 1, 2006, Ace was the son of Troy Ashford and Jamie Ashford of Lott. Already an accomplished roper, Ace was the 2023 Riata Buckle #10.5 Jr. Champion Header with Jade Philipp and 2024 Patriot #11.5 All Ages Champion Header with Ryder Davis. He attended Rosebud-Lott High School and was set to rodeo for Hill College in Hillsboro, Texas, this fall.

Gary Eugene Hammond 1956-2024

Apart from being a talented professional, Gary was also known for his larger-than-life personality. He was a "Big family Man," deeply devoted to his loved ones and always ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed. As a father he was a force to be reckoned with a tough but loving presence who instilled in his children a sense of resilience, independence, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. His warm heart and kind spirit endeared him to all who knew him. He was never one to mince words or sugarcoat the truth, but his tough love was always tempered with unwavering support and loyalty. In his leisure time, Gary found joy in simple yet meaningful activities such as Team Roping, Hunting, and Fishing, with a fearless spirit and a keen eye for adventure.

Dr. Bronson K. Springstead, D.V.M. 1936-2024

Born and raised in Gallup, New Mexico Bronson became an accomplished horseman at an early age. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1959 and attended Ft. Lewis College and finished pre-veterinary courses at Oklahoma State University where he met his wife, Karen. Dr. Springstead completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) from Colorado State University in 1967. His love for horses guided him toward a career in equine medicine. He opened and operated Zia Equine Center in Albuquerque, NM for over 30 years. Dr. Springstead’s deep understanding of equine physiology, coupled with his intuitive, hands-on approach, earned him the trust and respect of horse owners, trainers, breeders and veterinary colleagues throughout the country and beyond.

Michael (Mike) Lee Meads (1970-2024)

Mike moved to Hermiston, Oregon in grade school where he was active and successful in 4-H showing horses, dogs, and livestock. Mike's love of horsemanship continued through high school where he excelled on his high school rodeo team in the team roping and calf roping events. Mike cherished helping youth in agriculture and later in life followed his Mom's footsteps and became a 4-H leader for Badger Canyon Livestock 4-H Club. He adored each and every one of his members and was always ready to jump in and help. Seeing youth succeed was important to Mike. He was eager to help organize youth leadership events in agriculture whenever he was asked. Mike's successful career in the agriculture field began at McGregor, he went on to Wilbur Ellis then Pioneer Implement which was acquired by RDO Equipment in 2003. Above all, Mike treasured family and was never afraid to let others know how proud he was of each and every one of them.

Jimmy Ray "Sparky" Sparks (1960-2024)

Sparky loved Team Roping and Rodeos. He loved to watch his kids compete and ride the horses that he trained for them. Sparky always had his family mounted on good horses. We always did everything as a family, and he was very proud of his family. Most weekends you could find The Sparks family at a roping somewhere with close family and friends. Sparky loved his team roping family he was the best flagger and Coach around.

Daniel Troy Bush (1985-2024)

Daniel Troy Bush, 39, Live Oak, FL passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The Lake City, FL born native was a lifelong resident of Live Oak and attended City Church in Lake City, FL. He was a member of the National Team Roping Association and International Chemical Workers Union Council Local # 784C.

Loagan Helton (1990-2024)

Loagan started a bucking bull company raising bulls for rodeo competition. Loagan was an intricate part of the successful training team of American quarter horse racing seasoning with super star horse Llano Cartel. In 2013, they won Remington Park and in 2014, Florida Hialeah Park. Loagan and his father Wade won the American Quarter Horse Nation with Llano Cartel in 2013.Loagan was a very outdoors person who enjoyed skiing, golfing, riding horses, fishing and boating. Loagan also was very skilled in martial arts earning a black belt in Taekwondo. Loagan enjoyed spending time with family and always had a number of fun and interesting projects to keep busy and share with family and friends.

Jeffrey James Thorstenson 1971-2024

Jeff qualified many times for State and National High School Finals and also continued to rise through the amateur and professional rodeo ranks, many times qualifying for the NRCA, SDRA and Badlands Circuit Finals. However, nothing thrilled him more than roping with his son Jace and wife Kristie. Jeff and Kristie were married May 17th, 1995, at Rapid City, SD. Following their marriage, they lived in the New Underwood area where together they began to make their dream of raising and training good horses come true. Jeff rode colts and shod a lot of horses and trained team roping horses and of course rodeoed a lot. They relocated to Cave Creek, AZ to continue their passion together and it wasn’t long after, on August 14, 2003, when their pride and joy Jace joined their family.

Ron Reuter 1955-2024

Fate stepped into his life when he picked up a rope in January of 1994 and never put it down. A day didn’t pass that he wasn’t roping, reading about roping, watching videos about roping or pantomiming that he was roping when in fact he had no rope. He was a quick study and before long, his deft hands and hard won callouses helped him reel in multiple saddles, a list of accolades and prizes that helped cement his newfound reputation. As a loving father, he enjoyed sharing his love of horses and roping with his daughters, relishing the time he spent with them in leadline and roping. Ron had a heart that beat for his family, especially for his grandchildren who lived as a constant gleam in his eye.

Ray Allen Paul 1963-2024

Ray was born on January 8, 1963 in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada to Lawrence and Fay (Wells) Paul. In his younger years while living in Canada, he enjoyed playing hockey. After moving to the states, he was extremely active in high school rodeo and carried his love of rodeo into his work as a cowboy. He loved working in feed yards, ranching, and all aspects of working cattle. His passion was team roping, a skill he exhibited in many ranch rodeos.

Quinn Kesler 1993-2024

“Rope Like Quinn.” Quinn always had a rope in his hand from the time he was a small child. He roped anything and everything in sight, even his foot during a particularly boring sacrament meeting. It didn’t take long for him to establish himself as a skilled roper, and he entered his first championship at the age of nine. His first big roping win came during the National Finals Rodeo in 2015. Despite all his professional achievements, the real legacy Quinn leaves the rodeo arena is that good cowboys still exist. In any situation, Quinn was always caring, generous, and Christ-like.

Gene Plant 1944-2024

Gene Thomas Plant, 79, a long-time resident of Estancia, NM, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2024 in Albuquerque, NM. Gene had many passions throughout his life, with horses being his biggest. Gene loved to train race horses with his parents and brothers, and they traveled all over the southwest racing their horses. Gene also loved to rope, winning the very first USTRC #6 roping in 1990 with his brother Keith, and continued to rope as he got older with his family and friends.

Richard Berle Anderson 1953-2023

Richard Berle Anderson, 70, of Cave Creek, Arizona, and graduate of CAL High School, Latimer, IA, passed away on July 17, 2023. Dick worked hard his entire life. From owning Anderson Drywall in Lake Havasu City, AZ, to running Red Mountain Stables with his wife in Mesa, AZ, Dick put blood, sweat and tears into everything he did and built a successful and fulfilling life.

Troy Whited 1967-2023

Troy D. Whited, 55, of Lincoln, passed away suddenly on July 4, 2023, at York General Hospital. Troy's great love was roping and riding horses as well as buying and selling horses. He was always very supportive of his sons, Rio and Tee, in their education, rodeo and roping. He provided good horses for them to ride and always attended all their high school and collegiate rodeos as well as countless team ropings. Troy loved spending time with his family and friends. Most of all, Troy was proud of his sons and loved them more than anything in the world.

River Pace Dillard 1987-2024

River Pace Dillard, 36, passed from this life on Sunday, January 21, 2024, to be in the arms of Jesus. River was a member of the FBC Cross Plains, Texas, World Series Team Roping (WSTR), and The Internachi Home Inspectors, as well as the owner of Xpert Inspection Services. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, roping, snowboarding, and loved spending time with his children.

Jesus "Jesse" or "Papason" Garza 1960-2024

It is with very deep sadness that the Garza Family announce the passing of their beloved, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend, JESUS “JESSE’ OR “PAPASON” EDEN GARZA on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Jesse had a passion for horses and was a member of the World Series of Team Roping, as well as the U.S. Team Roping Championship. The love, pride, and joy of Jesse life was his family, children, and grandchildren, but especially his great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his great personality, contagious laugh, and the jokester that he was.

Heavy Sursa 1955 -2023

Heavy Sursa loved being a cowboy! He loved all the people he met, and every aspect of the cowboy life. He loved how patriotic the rodeo life is, the prayers, the friendships and all the memories he made. Heavy Sursa won the #10.5 Finale in 2019 with Slade Witbeck splitting $342,000 and was the face of the Finale Poster for a whole year, a dear friend who was involved in the team roping community since the early USTRC days in the 90's .

Harold Tweed Holden 1940 - 2023

H was a Hall of Fame artist best known for some of the greatest horse monuments in the world. H designed “THE FINALE” bronze as the top award for the WSTR Finale back in 2010 that has been presented to all winners of the WSTR Finale for the past 14 years . “H” Holden donated the casting for the “The Finale” as he wanted working class cowboys with ropes to have a lasting symbol of their achievement. He was a roper himself and understood the significance of his award.

Richard Woodrow Rosaschi 1954 - 2023

He was a Professional Horseman for well over 20 years and was recently inducted into the American Rope Horse Futurity Hall of Fame – a title well deserved.

Jerry Speer 1956 - 2023

The talent he possessed on horseback was matched by none. His knowledge was the kind learned the hard way; shaped by the best cattleman bred in the bush country of South Texas. Then sharpened by the toughest men who pushed cattle through the deepest Northern New Mexico snow. He went on to share his knowledge and passion with everyone.

Phillip Haskell Wiseman - 1953-2023

He was one of four children. Phil moved to Aztec, New Mexico in 1977. He met the love of his life Kelly Bandy and the two married in 1987. Phil ran sheep and cattle. He trained race horses, rope horses, and barrel horses. However, his real passion was team roping. He was a cowboy in every sense of the word, and we will miss his infectious laugh and entertaining stories.

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