IN THE NEWS Charlene Jespersen Passes Away By Kendra Santos
West Coast barrel racing icon and National Finals Rodeo barrel racer Charlene Jespersen headed to Heaven on July 20, 2022. Charlene—who was, like her dear mom, Alma, a classy dresser whose signature competition attire often included chaps and leather gloves— packed a whole lot of living into her 86 years here, and was still running barrels at 80.
Charlene has been a Women’s Professional Rodeo Association member since the 1950s, and in fact carried card #31. The longtime California Circuit standout was part of a world-famous rodeo family based out of Hanford in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Daddy Hoke Evetts was one of the most colorful cowboy characters of all time, and was a wildly successful entrepreneur, auctioneer, cattleman and owner of the Overland Stockyards in Hanford. Hoke heeled for his son, HP Evetts, at the 1970 and ’71 NFRs. Momma Alma didn’t take up barrel racing until she was 40, but like Charlene ran flashy, fast horses into her 80s and often traveled with her dear daughter. Alma was a Senior Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, and started
the great tradition of Alma’s Flea Market, which Charlene helped with. Charlene also worked at Hanford High School for 37 years. Charlene was a barrel racing institution. Her favorite rodeo was Salinas, and she and Sammy Fancher Thurman Brackenberry both barrel raced and team roped at Salinas decades before the start of the current women’s roping revolution. Charlene won the first barrel race held at the California Rodeo in Salinas in 1974, and had the trophy bit on her mantle to prove it. Charlene ran a stud she called Lotta Dollar in the 1960s, and oh how she loved that horse. She qualified for the 1974 NFR on one of Lotta Dollar’s daughters. That was a very special year for Charlene’s family, as little brother HP was crowned the 1974 World Champion Team Roper. Charlene, who was presented the 2013 WPRA California Circuit Pioneer Cowgirl Award, is survived by her husband, David Mueller; her sister, Tonja; HP, his wife, Stephanie, and their children; and countless cowboy and cowgirl friends. Rest in peace, classy cowgirl! We know Hoke, Alma and your beloved National Forest firefighter son Reg, who left this life way too soon, are thrilled to see you.
SAVETHE DATE
2022 WPRA World Finals
Presented by Nutrena Waco, TX
November 11-13 Held with Elite Barrel Racing
8 WPRA NEWS AUGUST 2022
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