Born into a family of rodeo stars, Betty Gayle Cooper Ratliff established herself as one of the top calf roping champions. Growing up on a ranch near Hobbs, New Mexico, Ratliff won her first championship at twelve in junior calf roping. A diligent rodeo supporter, she helped reorganize the American Junior Rodeo Association and worked as rodeo director of the WPRA to strengthen the sport. She coached the men’s and women’s rodeo teams for Southeastern Oklahoma State University to win national titles.
