SG_USA_October_2022

A skilled rider, she loved competing across the country, winning many championship buckles and collecting limit less friends along the way. She campaigned many champion cutting horses, including Miss Peppy Also and Pay 21. She became known as the “First Lady of Cutting” and was induct ed into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1998. Thoroughbreds were also a lifelong passion. She bred, owned and raced numerous horses in her rust and lavender silks throughout her long life. A lifelong learner interested in numerous subjects, includ ing history, politics, the arts and the sciences, Helenita was a voracious reader with a steely memory. She thoroughly enjoyed lunching with many of the prominent scientists from the institutions she supported, continuously expanding her broad intellect. She also was devoted to her strong corps of “Monday Night Ladies,” who are known to be the catalysts for much of the important charitable and political work done in San Antonio. Helenita was an She carved a wide swath through the bovine and equine world and was a friend to countless people and generations around the world. She was the last of her kind.

extraordinary philan thropist who took her service very seriously. She served as president of the Robert J. and Helen C. Kleberg Foun dation until 2020 and continued on the board until her death. Her knowledge and acumen as a rancher, horsewoman and cattle

raiser made her an indispensable member and leader on many boards, including the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the National Cutting Horse Association, the U.S. Equestrian Team and, of course, her beloved King Ranch, where she served as a director from 1956 to 1988 and where her influence was felt for the remainder of her life. Helenita’s contributions were recognized by more institu tions and organizations than can be printed here. She left a mark wherever she went. Full of curiosity, she always put her fullest effort into every day of her life and engaged many fine friends along the way. In 2013 at the centenary celebrations of Kleberg County, Helenita uttered the sentence, “I am the last member of my generation left standing.” She carved a wide swath through the bovine and equine world and was a friend to countless people and generations around the world. She was the last of her kind.

47

OCTOBER 2022 • WWW.SANTAGERTRUDIS.COM