DICKIE, Lena *

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, AZ May 17, 2006 Lena Dickie, 101, a long time resident of Sedona, died May 15, 2006. Lena grew up in Michigan where she developed her love of animals and began training them. She was active in the rodeo and became quite well known as Rodeo Rose with her horse Tarzan, who "could do just about anything, except wash the dishes." Lena moved to Phoenix in the 1960s where she worked as an assistant to a vet and was a volunteer at the Children's Hospital. With her little dogs that pulled a miniature "wagon," Lena and her "team" passed out treats to the little children at Christmas. Lena moved to Sedona in the 1970s. She managed the Humane Society for two years. For almost 10 years she trained quarter horses and miniatures for Bob Eggert. In 1976, Lena was featured in Horse and Rider magazine. Lena was in the St. Patrick's Day parade with her animals 27 years. In 1996, she won four trophies including first place in the unique category. In 1997, Lena was chosen to be Sedona's Grand Marshal, along with her dog Sundancer. Lena was crowned "Queen of the Rodeo" twice in her lifetime, once in Sedona in 1993, and earlier (in the 1930s) in Michigan. Lena was also nominated to the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and she modeled western clothing for Coral West and the Tourist Trap. She was a charter member of the Adult Community Center, member of the Miniature Horse Association of Arizona, and an honorary member of the Sedona Historical Society. There will be a Funeral Mass on Thursday, May 18, at 11 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Sedona. Greer's Mortuary of Sedona assisted with the arrangements.