MEMORIAL BARREL RACE
"We run in memory of Claudia and Sheila"
OCTOBER 1, 2011
FREMONT, NE
$400 added

CLICK HERE FOR FLYER

Silent Auction Items
1 dozen homemade cinnamon rolls
10 bags of Purina horse feed
Custom made bling dog collar
Hillcrest  Animal  Clinic  will donate a certificate for a
free equine chiropractic adjustment. It's valued at $80
Certificate for on-site personalized photography session by Sam Bliss
Horse Motif blanket for people, slumped wine bottle spoon rest by Kathy Oberg
2- quart size horse joint supplement by Becca Fellman
Certificate for horse chiropractic evaluation and treatment by Hillcrest Animal Clinic
2 tickets to Haunted Hollow, Boot planter, basket of goodies from Jill and Mike McCormick
Ice Cream maker, fire pit steel ring for patio, by Tractor Supply in Fremont
$20 gift card from Wal Mart in Fremont
Free breast mammograms, by Alegent Health Systems "Every Woman Matters"

All donations made during this weekend will be donated to the American Cancer Fund in memory of Claudia Blakesly and Sheila Larsen.  We run in memory of our friends.

Claudia Blakesly 1954-2009

In 1954 Claudia was born in Minnesota and was a horse lover from day one.  She lived her first 25 years in Minnesota on the family farm.  She was always a competitive barrel racer in High School Rodeo and jackpots. 

In the late 1970’s Claudia loaded up her barrel horse and moved to Dallas, TX.  She remained in Dallas for 10 years, relocating to Omaha in 1987.  Claudia made many friends where ever she landed and loved to travel to visit them. 

Claudia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994.  After successful treatment, she was cancer-free until the disease returned in 2006.  She faced her challenge with dignity and a brave heart while maintaining her unique sense of humor.  She inspired many with her positive attitude and determination.  She enjoyed an 18 month remission during which time she never wasted a moment.

Claudia passed away peacefully at home on January 14th, 2009.  She was thankful to all of her friends that were always there to help her.  Her wish was for a cure –

Sheila Lynn Larsen   1948-2008

Born in Omaha and raised on a farm outside the city, Sheila developed a lifelong love and passion for helping others, learning, and living life to its fullest. 

While growing up on the family farm, her hobbies included the numerous opportunities and leadership avenues that 4-H has to offer, competing with the Omaha Saddle Club and showing in open horse shows.  Because of these affiliations, Sheila was the winner of the numerous local, state and national awards for her varied talents that included baking, sewing, singing, horse and leadership projects.  Upon graduating from Omaha’s Benson High School as a National Honor Society member,  she continued her love of learning by attending the University of Ne at Lincoln majoring in Animal Science, the University of Missouri at Columbia to receive her Master’s Degree in Library Science, and the University of Ne at Omaha to achieve her Master’s Degree of Business Administration.

With her talents and education, she entered the world of corporate America.  During her IT career, she helped to blaze the trail for younger women to join the IT workforce and as a member of ICAN she helped to inspire women to succeed in the business world.  She was also involved in encouraging junior high and high school girls to pursue careers in math and science.  While traveling the world for business related duties, she loved working and socializing with people that challenged her to be her best.

Even with all of her travels and experience in the business world, Sheila never lost the basic “roots” of her life.  She still loved horses, leadership and helping others which inspired her to secretary the Purina barrel races for many years.  She also purchased the family farm ground on which to build her “cut short because of cancer” dream home on.   She even returned to tailoring/sewing horse show clothes for her niece, and cooking gourmet meals for her family.  Last but not least, Sheila even ventured into part ownership of a bakery and professionally decorated wedding cakes! 

Moderation was not a word in Sheila’s vocabulary.  She excelled to the best and set her standards at the highest possible level for herself and others that surrounded her.