Tracy HarmonPueblo Chieftain
Beulah is mourning the loss of beloved fourth-grade teacher and former Miss Rodeo Colorado Kellie Stockton, who died unexpectedly Sunday, July 28.
Stockton is being remembered for the impact she had on her family, friends, community, her rodeo family and the Beulah School of Natural Sciences where she worked.
"Kellie was very kind, very loving and she always liked to joke and keep things light," said her brother Clint Stockton. "She was a strong advocate for the Western way of life, the cowboy and rodeo culture, her job and her family."
Growing up in Beulah, Clint remembers his younger sister "always looking up at her big brother, trying to imitate me or what was going on."
"We always had an adventure and something to do," he said.
Kellie and Clint spent a lot of time outdoors with their parents Jeff and Becky not only riding horses, but hiking and camping.
"We were pretty good friends — I was blessed. She was always defending people and was such a wonderful person," he said.
The Miss Rodeo Colorado Dream
From the time she was a wee girl, Kellie's ambition was to become Miss Rodeo Colorado.
"That was her dream. She didn't want to be Miss Rodeo America she wanted to be Miss Rodeo Colorado," Clint said.
"To see her work so hard and fall down so many times then to see her achieve that goal, it was amazing and a super cool time."
Stockton won the title in 2018 and was the first Miss Rodeo Colorado from Beulah at the age of 24. She spent 2019 traveling and promoting the sport she loved and "won the hearts of people all over the country," her brother said.
"She thoroughly enjoyed that job and all those adventures and travel. I would talk to her — we didn't get to see her much that year — and live a little bit vicariously through her," Clint said.
A tribute to Stockton also was posted on the Miss Rodeo Colorado Pageant Facebook page.
"Our hearts are heavy tonight with the news of Kellie Stockton's passing. Kellie was exceptionally kind, humble, and supportive. Always ready with a hug and a warm smile, there was no job she wasn't eager to do. Kellie made everyone feel special and uplifted them when they needed encouragement. Our prayers go out to her family as they cope with this terrible loss," the post read.
As the Colorado State University Pueblo graduate prepared to tour the state as Miss Rodeo Colorado, Stockton told the Chieftain about her goal to serve as an inspiration for young girls who may someday want to compete for the crown, as well as young boys interested in agriculture or rodeo.
“My hope is to inspire youth,” she said in the 2019 interview with the Chieftain. “That has always been my biggest hope."
"I love the Western way of life and I know the future depends on today’s youth to see a valid and possible future in rodeo and agriculture for tomorrow," Stockton said at the time.
Her love of education
Kellie, 30, spent the past two years at the very same Beulah school she and her brother both attended growing up.
"She was a strong advocate for education. She always thought the Beulah school was an awesome place and best of all she got to have one of her favorite teachers growing up, Lori Lara, as her co-worker," he said.
"She found her niche in fourth grade and people loved her. She loved her students."
Clint recalls that Kellie wasn't always fond of grading the homework but she did it and consistently advocated for the public school system.
"When she saw the students improve she felt she was making an impact. She could see the accomplishments they were making. She was always about inspiring others," Clint said.
Beulah School of Natural Sciences Principal Perry Rogers made a heartfelt tribute dedicated to Kellie on the school's Facebook Page.
"Miss Stockton’s dedication to our school and commitment to our students was unwavering. Her warmth and passion for the future of children touched us all, and her legacy will forever remain in our hearts," he wrote.
According to Lynette Bonfiglio, public information officer for Pueblo School District 70, Kellie was a "remarkable educator who was dedicated and passionate."
"She left an indelible mark on that community," Bonfiglio said.
One of Stockton's passions was shining a light on the school and championing recruitment, often saying, "I think everyone should come to work here, right here with us," Bonfiglio said the Beulah principal Rogers shared with her.
"That just really speaks volumes about this outstanding young woman and shines a special light on the outpouring and dedication she had for her school," Bonfiglio said.
Rogers reminded staff and students that school counselors are available to "help students express their feelings and cope with this loss."
"As a community, we mourn this loss together," Rogers said in the Facebook post.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Miss Stockton’s family, friends, and colleagues. Let us always remember Kellie with gratitude for the positive impact she had on our school community," the post continued.
Clint said a memorial service for his sister is tentatively set for Sept. 21 at her beloved church, 4BarS Gathering.
"So many people want to attend and we want to do her justice. The fact is none of us is ready to say goodbye — it was so unexpected and we need time to process the loss," he said.
More on Kellie Stockton Meet Kellie Stockton, Beulah's first Miss Rodeo Colorado
Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers businessnews. She can be reachedby email at tharmon@chieftain.comor via X,formerlyTwitter, attwitter.com/tracywumps.Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain atsubscribe.chieftain.com.
