Nov. 21, 2012

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

For more information contact:

Carrie Heitman, communications coordinator, at 816-383-5100 or cheitman@angus.org.

 

Auxiliary Awards Distinguished Woman of the Year

American Angus Auxiliary charter member Bette Votaw recognized in Louisville, Ky.

 

In 2012, the American Angus Auxiliary celebrated 60 years of preparing young women for the future, educating consumers about the beef industry, and supporting junior activities. It’s a legacy built by countless volunteers dedicated to the Angus breed. And it was only appropriate for Auxiliary charter member Bette Votaw, Welfleet, Neb., to be recognized as the 2012 Distinguished Woman of the Year. Votaw was honored Sunday, Nov. 11 during the 60th Annual American Angus Auxiliary Breakfast in Louisville, Ky.

            As Auxiliary advisor Barbara Ettredge, Pilot Point, Texas, began her speech describing the award recipient, all eyes turned to Bette. While Ettredge transported the audience back in time, sharing Bette’s devotion to the Auxiliary, tears began to flow down Bette and her daughters, Kathy and Kerri Ann’s faces. One can only imagine the memories Bette recalled as she was reminded of the moment that changed her life forever.

It was 1952. Bette and her husband, Eli, were stepping through the doors of the Chicago International Livestock Show; strolling past the rich black, beautiful Angus cattle, Bette transformed from city girl to ranch wife. It was then that Bette realized she wanted the Angus way of life for her family.

The Chicago International was also where Bette met a small group of energetic women who asked her to join the American Angus Auxiliary. Without hesitation, Bette agreed and became a guiding light with her quiet, steady demeanor and wisdom, which kept the Auxiliary on the right path for decades.

Bette served as an Auxiliary officer for three years before resigning due to her mother’s health. Ten years later, in 1993, Bette returned to lead the organization. During her presidency, she, along with Angus enthusiasts from across the country, entertained international visitors during the World Angus Forum in Rapid City, S.D. Since that time, Bette has served as chairman and member of several Auxiliary committees.

Together in their 62 years of marriage, Bette and Eli built the historic E Bar V Angus Ranch. The couple was inducted into the American Angus Association®’s Angus Heritage Foundation in 1999 and received the Nebraska Angus Association Pioneer Producer Award in 2006. Eli was devoted leader in the beef industry. He was a lifetime member of the American Angus Association and served on its Board of Directors. During his two terms, he was instrumental in establishing the Certified Angus Beef® program. Eli also helped organize the Southwest Nebraska Angus Association and served as Secretary-Treasurer for several years.  

Bette’s constant drive and passion for the Angus business is instilled in her children, as well. Her daughters, Kathy Marie (Louis) Dubs, Billings, Mont.; Kerri Ann (Steven) Kliewer, Henderson, Neb.; and the late Christine Sue Votaw Vinton received Auxiliary Scholarships in 1970, 1973 and 1977. And, Bette was “The Queen Mother” of both the 1973 and 1977 Miss American Angus. Her daughters also served as Nebraska Angus Queens, and Block and Bridle Queens at the University of Nebraska.

            Without Bette knowing, Eli and Auxiliary members were sketching out a plan for her to receive the 2012 Distinguished Woman of the Year Award. Although Eli passed away before Bette could accept the honor, she knew Eli was with her in spirit.

            While Bette stood on the Auxiliary Breakfast stage sharing her gratitude for the Distinguished Woman of the Year Award, she began to describe her marriage to not only her husband, but also to the beef industry: “Thank you for this award, it was my family’s privilege to be in the Angus business. We never had anything else in mind besides promoting Angus beef.”

 

The American Angus Auxiliary consists of individuals interested in the welfare of the Angus breed.  Its members work to provide educational activities for junior Angus members, such as scholarship programs, awards and competitions.  For more information about the American Angus Auxiliary, visit www.angusauxiliary.com.

 

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