World Class Fan, Dakota Lonadier, Dies

Dakota Lonadier was the true definition of a rodeo fan. Her physical condition restricted her life but she was always on the Internet checking on her favorite people in the rodeo industry. Several years ago we began e mailing and then talking on the phone. She proudly became one of our volunteers and loved to tell people she reported for Rodeo Attitude. She would search the web for information she felt others would enjoy or that needed publicized and then send it to me. Many of Cindy's Special Thoughts have come from material she sent me. I was just one of many she kept in contact with in the industry she loved so much. When the hurricane in Beaumont, Texas, caused her family to evacuate the loss of her use of the computer was her biggest concern. Once she was able to go home she was back at work on the computer as her father and grandfather tried to put the home back together. Her next tragedy came shortly after when her mother lost a long time battle with disease. She told me once it was her friends in rodeo that had helped her through these.

A few weeks ago the doctors thought a certain surgery would help her live a better life. It was during pre-testing for the surgery that they discovered she needed heart surgery first. Wednesday she underwent open heart surgery and it was felt all had gone well, but just hours later a problem developed. Late Friday, June 8th, Dakota lost the battle and passed away. On Tuesday before her surgery rodeo stock contractor, Roy Carter, took time to stop in and see her. Her dad told me she was so happy that he had took time to visit her. Going into surgery she was happy and had received several other well wishes from rodeo. When I took the call from her father he said she had fought hard but it just wasn't enough but we both knew her last moments were happy because she knew the sport she loved so much-loved her.

Visitations are Monday, Jue 11th and her funeral will be Tuesday June 12th. Complete details and obituary along with guest book are at this link: Claybar Funeral Home for Theresa Lonadier