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Remembering Judy Merola

The First Frontier Circuit sadly mourns the loss of one of their most respected and talented barrel racers, Judy Merola. Judy, 84, passed away on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Judy was a fierce competitor as a barrel racer in the 60’s, 70’s 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s and qualified for the First Frontier Circuit Finals every year they were held until she ended her barrel racing career in 2005. In 1986, she was crowned the WPRA First Frontier Circuit Champion.

Judy rode a slew of stand-out barrel horses over her career, but the two that were truly dominant were Mama Likes Diamonds, who she affectionately called “Fred,” and Panama Pistol Pete, whom she liked to call “Peppermint Pete,” as peppermints were his favorite treats. There were very few times that Judy did not leave the arena without drawing a check riding these two outstanding horses.

When not at a rodeo or a barrel race, Judy enjoyed opening her home and arena to up and coming young barrel racers, to mentor and share her knowledge, experience and love of barrel racing. She was a wife, a mother, grandmother and a friend to many.

She is survived by her husband Joe, her sons, Cody Clement and Cory (Kathy) Clement, her step-son Mark Merola, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. She is pre-deceased by her eldest son, Clay Clement and her step-son Monty Merola.

Judy is one lady that will truly be missed by those whose lives she touched. The First Frontier Circuit and WPRA extend their sincere condolences to Judy’s family and friends.

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First Frontier Circuit Spokeswomen

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April Masterson	(802) 324-4300
Jayme Myers	(717) 887-4576
Kerri Frazier	(339) 237-0896
Dawn Powell	(585) 519-1058
Kristin Weber	(302) 588-1264
Beth Borowy	(301) 418-0658
Kris Roy	(518) 495-9249
Kathy Clement	(856) 430-7961
Kathi Myers	(856) 498-7513

 

 

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