|
Connie Douglas Reeves
A
Celebration of the Life of Connie Douglas Reeves was
held at the stables of Camp Waldemar, near Hunt,
Texas, the 22nd of August.
She was just a month away of her 102 birthday
when her heart stopped.
This diminutive woman lived her life with
horses and young people and was an inspiration to
anyone who had the opportunity to be with her, even
briefly.
About ten days prior to her death she fell off her
favorite horse, Dr. Pepper, at Camp Waldemar, and
suffered a neck injury.
While recuperating in the hospital she called
Marsha Elmore, owner of Camp Waldemar, to her side and
said, “I think Dr. Pepper has made our decision.
It’s time for us to retire.
I just wish I’d done it more gracefully.”
She had spent sixty-seven years at Camp
Waldemar as the head of horseback riding.
The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree had
taught over 30,000 campers horseback riding, trick
riding and trick roping.
She had four generations of campers that adored
her.
The Memorial
at the stables was a tribute to this delightful
well-spoken lady who gave the National Cowgirl Hall of
Fame the statement they have turned in to their motto
- “Saddle Your Own Horse”
This four word sentence says so much more than
suggesting you put a saddle on a horse.
Connie meant to be responsible for your own actions and do your part and then some.
She did it every day.
Eight women spoke about their association with
Connie Douglas Reeves, which included the comment,
“When Connie was interviewed by a reporter earlier
this year she was asked what her inspiration had been.
Her answer was, ‘Horses
are my inspiration.
Children are my occupation.’
At this point, Dr. Pepper, her favorite horse,
who attended the event tied at the hitching post,
nickered in response.
I would like to think Dr. Pepper was making his
personal comments about this gracious lady who he
carried around this Camp for many years.
Connie
Douglas Reeves was tied to rodeo.
Colonel W. T. Johnson, premier stock contractor
of the 1930s, financed the building of Camp Waldemar
for his sister, Ora Johnson.
When his famous bucking horses were not being
used during the rodeo season they were either at the
Camp or at the Johnson Ranch at Junction, Texas.
Connie married Jack Reeves, wrangler at the
camp, and Johnson’s pick of cowboys, to manage the
Johnson Ranch.
Connie’s book, I
MARRIED A COWBOY, is her account of her years with
Jack, at the Camp and on
the ranch, and all the things she learned about ranching from this
cowboy, who stole her heart.
She knew many of the well-known rodeo cowboys
of the 1930s.
I will miss
this special cowgirl, who, in spite of failed eyesight
and difficulty hearing, never had a problem
recognizing anyone who had an opportunity to visit
with her. I
didn’t see her often, but when I did her words and
demeanor always made me want to be a better person.
I am sure many of the 30,000 young girls she
had contact with, and those of us who were fortunate
enough to be her friend, feel the same way - blessed
by our association with this delightful woman who
lived a century plus, mounted on a horse, her
inspiration.
|
