J.P. (Babe) Haller |
| Posted 2009-07-20 by Sharla |
| The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ November 29, 2007 J.P. Haller J. P. "Babe" Haller, age 88, passed away at his residence in Wickenburg, Ariz., on Nov. 13. Memorial services were held on Saturday, Nov. 17 at Horse World Arena on Rincon Road in Wickenburg. Jess was born Oct. 28, 1919 in Fruita, Colo., to Jess P. Haller, Sr. and Faye Etta Holloway-Haller. He always said, "They burned down the school house when I was in second grade to get rid of me." He quit school in the seventh grade to begin working with his father as a livestock dealer. He married Virginia Garlitz and to this marriage were born three children - Donald, Shirley and Sonja "Toni." In 1979, Babe married Georgia Dowd, the love of his life, and gained a daughter Suzie. The three of them became a team and began to build their new life together and spent their time doing what they loved most: team roping. He later went into business on his own as a livestock dealer, primarily dealing with cattle, which he did until retiring at age 75. Babe was well known throughout the rodeo circuit. He was a life member of the American Quarter Horse Association and won numerous showmanship awards. Several times he was the Western Slope Association's champion. He was a life and Gold Card member of both the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (aka, Rodeo Cowboy Association) and the National Seniors Pro Rodeo Association, and two-time World Champion Header in the 60+ category. He was a life member of the USTRC. During his career, Babe participated in Bull Dogging, Calf Roping, Ribbon Roping, Team Tying, Bull Riding and Team Roping, which he enjoyed most. He toured the rodeo circuit across the country, primarily in the western states and including Canada. He served as director and past president of the Team Roping Association of Colorado. He began wintering in Wickenburg in 1983, with his primary residence in Brighton, Colo. Babe is survived by his wife Georgia of Wickenburg; daughter Suzie Haller of Wickenburg; son Donald Haller of Las Vegas, Nev.; daughters Shirley Williams of Fruita, Colo.; and Sonja "Toni" Bishop of Denver, Colo.; brother Bob Haller of Grand Junction, Colo.; sister Ekadell Kaye of Corona, Calif.; nieces, nephews and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Owen Haller and parents Jess and Faye Etta (Holloway) Haller. Memorial contributions may be made to Haller Memorial Fund and sent to 36001 S. Moreton Road, Wickenburg, AZ 85390. Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home and Crematory. See Also: Find A Grave |
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