Empty Saddles
Charlene Jespersen
Charlene Jespersen, wife of David Mueller, Hanford businesswoman, and California rodeo champion, died Sunday, July 10, 2022, at her home. She was a secretary for the Hanford Adult High School for 37 years, which accommodated her schedule for co-ownership of Almas Flea Market and her passion for riding.
Read more: Charlene Jespersen, 1936-2022
Cotton Rosser was presented the 2019 Legends of ProRodeo Award. – Photo by Vanessa Holder
By Kendra Santos
Cotton Rosser wore a lot of cowboy hats in his legendary life. The proud Rosser family patriarch made a mighty splash in the cowboy sport as a contestant, Cal Poly Rodeo standout, pioneer cowboy pilot, rancher, stock contractor and rodeo producer extraordinaire. Consummate showman Cotton earned his billing as the King of the Cowboys and The PT Barnum of Professional Rodeo for his signature fast-paced performances, and never stopped taking rodeo production to the next level by figuring out yet another way to wow the crowd and put a smile on every single spectator’s face. Cotton Rosser was a rodeo man like none other.
ProRodeo Hall of Fame stock contractor Cotton Rosser passed away June 22 at his home in Marysville, Calif. He was 93. For more than 60 years, Rosser was known for his spectacular, flamboyant opening ceremonies at rodeos on the West Coast and for many years at the NFR.