Betty Kunesh was not only the matriarch of her family but also the true inspiration behind Art of the Cowgirl. As the grandmother of Tammy Pate, our founder, Betty instilled a love of horses, art, and the Western way of life in Tammy from a young age.
Betty grew up on horseback. She helped her father break horses to ride and drive and learned the duties of keeping the house and caring for her family. Her aptitude as a horsewoman was matched by her appreciation of the world around her and her ability to convey that in art. She became a talented artist, her main subjects being the animals and natural world of her beloved prairie.
In her 101 years, Betty influenced the lives of so many, from teaching all of her girls to cook, sew, paint, and appreciate good horses, to doing the same for neighbors and friends, to spending countless days cooking for the community and being a confidant to the ones she holds close to her heart. In honor of Grandma Betty, who passed away at 101 on July 11, 2023, we continue to award the Betty Kunesh Legacy Award.
12/1/24 – BETTY KUNESH NOMINATION DEADLINE
1/6/25 – LEGACY AWARD WINNER ANNOUNCED
TBD – BETTY KUNESH LEGACY AWARD
PRESENTED AT ART OF THE COWGIRL 2025
Each of these women has a unique story but what connects them is a genuine zest for the Western lifestyle. In her own way, each Cowgirl selected as a recipient of the Betty Kunesh Legacy Award displays similar traits of generosity, mentorship, grit, positivity, optimism, and the Cowgirl spirit. We celebrate their commitment to the Western lifestyle.
Bonnie Jean Huffstetler
2024 Recipient
Bonnie is a lifelong cowgirl. Born in 1928 to James and Louise Parker, Bonnie was the daughter of a farmer and sharecropper who came to Texas from Tennessee in the early 1900s. A small community called Ridgeway, in rural northeast Texas, western Hopkins County, was home to little Bonnie and her family.
Judy Elam
2023 Recipient
Judy Elam lives and exemplifies the western lifestyle. At 76, she works almost daily, side by side with her husband Ken, working cattle, and is much-sought-after-help at cattle drives and brandings. Judy loves roping calves but is also quick to offer help pushing cattle down the chute or administer shots. Although she may have the shortest legs in the crowd, she is usually found on one of the biggest horses. Judy approaches work and life with a “What can I do, how can I help” attitude and, like always, accompanied with her beautiful smile.
Norma Hapgood
2022 Recipient
Norma Hapgood is not, make that NOT, a good little woman who likes to putter around the house. Even at age 91, Hapgood is probably outside working in her garden, feeding cattle or helping out riding horseback. But some things have never come naturally. Riding and being outside is something that’s come naturally, something that started early.
This award is to be given to a woman who has been nominated by someone they have influenced. This award is to honor those special women who are not always in the limelight; the women who work hard their whole lives, leading by example, embracing fellowship and community.
*NOTE: All past nominations will be reviewed annually. You do not need to re-submit a nomination each year.
Please have the following information and uploads ready before you proceed with your nomination. Once you begin the nomination process you will need to continue until submission. You will not be able to save and continue later.
- All fields are required unless noted.
- Save all written copy in a safe place in case submission of this form errors for any reason.
- Three letters of recommendation from others explaining why the nominee should receive the award. (These will be uploaded as attachments (Word doc preferred, PDFs accepted).
- Minimum of 1 high resolution professional portrait of the nominee.
- 5-10 supplemental images of the nominee in her element.
- Essay Response: How long has the nominee been involved in the Western lifestyle and in what capacities?
- Essay Response: Why do you believe the nominee should receive this award?
- Essay Response: How does the nominee embody the qualities of Betty Kunesh—generosity, mentorship, positivity, optimism, and the cowgirl spirit?
- Essay Response: How have horses and the Western way of life influenced the nominee?
- Please list any leadership roles she has served, as well as honors, accolades, and other significant recognitions.
- A brief personal essay addressing how the nominee has influenced your life and involvement in the Western lifestyle, including any relevant stories that offer insight into her character and cowgirl spirit. (Maximum 500 words)