June Bull Ivory

SERVICES: Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, November 11, 2004, at the First Christian Church, with Rev. Barry Loving, pastor, Clem McSpadden and Donna McSpadden of Chelsea, Oklahoma, officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.BIOGRAPHY: Mrs. Ivory was born June 17, 1931 in Pampa. She was reared in Gray County where her parents were in the ranching and oil business. She learned to ride at an early age, which set the stage for her to be one of the most sought after quadrille riders, Grand Entry presenters, and flag girl at professional rodeos. As a teenager, June went to work for the World Championship Rodeo. She served as secretary and/or timer at some of the most prestigious rodeos in both the United States and in foreign countries. Her work at rodeos had evolved into an historical event for having designed the secretary forms and judges sheets for the RCA. June also originated and was an instructor at the first Rodeo Secretary School in 1968. Rodeos worked by June included, but are not limited to: National Finals Rodeo, Indian National Finals Rodeo, World's Richest Roping, World's Fair Rodeo, Montreal, Canada, and Brussels, Belgium. She served as executive secretary of the "Rodeo Far West" as it toured several European countries. June was known for her colorfully coordinated western wardrobe. She worked in the National Finals Rodeo in an official capacity for twenty years. In 1954, June married Buster Ivory, a well-known professional rodeo contestant, and secretary of the Rodeo Cowboys Association. June and Buster were two of the three people to form the popular "Cowboy Reunion" in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo, and hosted this event in Las Vegas annually. Buster preceded June in death on March 10, 2003. June was a member of the First Christian Church in Pampa.June's career highlights include:First female card holder in the Canadian Rodeo AssociationJoined the Rodeo Cowboy Association in 1954, and had been a continuous memberGold Card Member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys AssociationChosen by competing "rodeo super-stars", as the first Rodeo Super-Star SecretaryCharter Committee Member, NFR Ladies Day (served 15 years)National Finals Rodeo SecretaryNational Finals Rodeo Official TimerNational Finals Steer Roping SecretaryNational Finals College (NIRA) Rodeo SecretaryNational Finals Texas Youth Rodeo SecretaryIndian National Finals Rodeo SecretaryMiss Rodeo America Judge"World's Richest Roping" Secretary/TimerWorld's Fair and Wild West Show, Brussels, Belgium, Rodeo SecretaryWorld's Fair Rodeo, Montreal, Canada, Rodeo SecretaryRodeo Far West, Europe, Rodeo Secretary/Timer, and contesting cowgirlDesigned secretary forms and judging sheets for RCAOriginated and instructed the first Rodeo Secretary School in 1968Raised and trained her own horses. Consistent winner in open rodeosQuadrille and Parade rider, flag bearer and performer at major rodeos throughout the United States, Canada and EuropeAssisted with gathering and preserving information for publication, the "100 Years of Rodeo Stock Contractors"Worked with PRCA news media with information and pictures to publication, the "40 Years of the National Finals Rodeo"Inducted into the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame, 2001Presented first Women's Professional "Western Heritage Award 2001"Secretary and founder of the "Cowboy Reunion" to benefit the Justin Crisis Fund, Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, Rodeo Historical Society/National Cowboy Hall of Fame, National Cowboy MuseumCharter member of HANDS.She is survived by 2 nephews, John Ivory & wife Sandy & family of Ouray, Colorado, Jim Ivory & wife Cathy & family of Cody, Wyoming. 1 cousin, Fredie Jo Moreman & husband Jack & family of Clarendon. And a host of friends. MEMORIALS: Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, PRCA, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919; Cowboy Reunion, 3320 Old Joy-Shannon Road, Henrietta, Texas 76365, or HANDS, 03 Los Pinas, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505.