Dorothy Roberson

Calf Roper, Ribbon Roper & 93? West of the Pecos Rodeo Queen 
1900-1980

          Born on October 22, 1900 in Oklahoma, Dorothy moved to Reeves County at an early age with her family.  She married Louis Roberson on June 1, 1918 and they soon built their home north of Pecos.

          Dorothy began competing at ridings and ropings when she was in her 20's and continued through her late 30's. She could always be seen at the West of the Pecos Rodeo and was a crowd favorite. She also competed in many parts of the United States, including at the Madison Square Garden in New York City.  One year, Dorothy was the West of the Pecos Rodeo Queen, won the horse race and also competed and won in the calf roping and ribbon roping. If you could do it horseback, she tried it.

          In 1930, Roberson and her son Billy Cole, along with Isora DeRacy and Jewel Duncan (both 2004 TRHoFInductees) took off for Sydney, Iowa pulling two horses in an open top trailer. The three ladies were to compete in the World's Champion Cowgirls Calf Roping Contest. They brought home trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.

          Louis Roberson was first a deputy sheriff and was later elected Sheriff of Reeves County in 1930 and served honorably until 1944. At the same time, Dorothy ran the ranch operation after she retired from rodeoing. She could outwork any cowboy around. She operated a very successful ranch until her death on December 27, 1980.

          Descendants of Dorothy Hyatt Roberson include Dr. B.C. Roberson of Abilene, Jean and Tiffani Burkholder and Tera and Brooke King of Midland.