Stone Gardens: A pioneer woman rodeo performer found her final resting place in the Bluejacket Cemetery in Craig County
- Dennis McCaslin
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Evelyn Lutman was born on April 22, 1917, in the Osage Plains area of northeastern Oklahoma near the Craig and Ottawa counites border. She grew up in a family with military connections, as her father had served in WWII.
From a young age, she showed interest in horses and riding, skills that would define her career. As a teenager, she began performing in local events, earning the nickname "Babe" for her youthful energy and talent.I
n the 1930s, Babe entered the world of professional rodeo. She specialized in trick riding and roping, performing in Wild West shows across the country.
Her acts involved precise maneuvers on horseback, such as standing on the saddle or roping while galloping. She competed in major venues, including the Madison Square Garden Rodeo in New York City.
During the 1940s and 1950s, she continued to tour, appearing in rodeos and entertainment circuits that blended athleticism with showmanship. Babe also ran a small business related to rodeo gear and training, supporting herself and others in the industry.
Babe married and took the surname Roberts. Details about her family life remain limited in records, but she balanced her career with personal responsibilities. She had relatives in the Bluejacket area, where she settled later in life.
Her performances tied into the arts and entertainment, as rodeo shows often included elements of theater and music to draw crowds
.Babe advocated for women's participation in rodeo sports. She encouraged female riders to compete in events traditionally dominated by men and pushed for better recognition of cowgirls in professional circuits. Her efforts helped pave the way for future generations of women in the sport.
In Oklahoma rodeo history, she is remembered as a trailblazer who demonstrated that women could excel in demanding physical roles.Her legacy includes influencing local rodeo communities and inspiring young performers. Archives in Oklahoma historical societies note her contributions to preserving cowgirl traditions.
She retired from active performing in the late 1950s due to health issues.
Babe died on May 4, 1961, from cancer. She was 44 years old. Her burial took place at Bluejacket Cemetery in Bluejacket, Oklahoma.
The site features a simple memorial with a veteran marker, reflecting family ties to military service. Visitors to the cemetery can find her grave among other local figures, a quiet reminder of her active life in rodeo.
