Blanche Altizer Smith was born on July 16, 1928, in Del Rio, Texas, and passed away on December 30, 1998. She was the wife of the late Bud Smith and the mother of two sons, Olie Smith and Jim Smith. Blanche made significant contributions to the rodeo world, making a name for herself and helping to place Del Rio on the map in the realm of Girl’s Rodeo.
Known for her skill and tenacity, Blanche was a rodeo legend who, despite her appearance, had no trouble mastering various rodeo disciplines, including wheeling and dealing on horseback, barrel racing, lassoing, and more. She was the Girls Rodeo Association Champion Calf Roper in 1950, a member of the Champion Team Tying in 1950 and 1955, and served as the GRA secretary from 1955 to 1958.
During her tenure as the secretary of the rodeo association, Blanche dedicated countless hours to ensuring the sport’s integrity and the association’s success. She also contributed her time and energy to professional and junior rodeos, 4-H livestock shows, and roping events. Blanche’s rodeo career included bareback bronc riding, and she grew up performing regular ranch work alongside her father and brother, always on fine horses.
Blanche was the sister of the late Jim Bob Altizer, another champion rodeo cowboy. Her contributions to the rodeo world were recognized in 1976 when she was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, located in Fort Worth, Texas, honoring her legacy and impact on the sport.
