10/29/2026
Proud to be a Nevada rancher!!!
This year, the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association would like to recognize the Montero Family as the recipient of the Nelo Mori Heritage of Ranching Award.
From the Nevada range to the rodeo arena, the Montero family’s story reflects generations of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to Western heritage.
Their roots at Leonard Creek Ranch, northwest of Winnemucca, trace back to Ramon Montero, a Basque immigrant who began as a sheepherder and worked toward owning a ranch. His son Frenchy and wife Suzie continued that legacy, purchasing an interest in the family operation in 1980. Together, they weathered difficult cattle markets and helped build the future of Pine Forest Land and Stock, Inc.
Their five children—Glynn, Mike, Daniel, Leonard, and Suzanne—grew up on the ranch, attending its one-room schoolhouse before continuing their education in Winnemucca. Ranch life instilled in them a lasting appreciation for livestock, the land, and family.
Frenchy’s dedication extended beyond ranching. The National Weather Service recognized his 50 years as a cooperative weather observer with the John Campanius Holm and Edward H. Stoll awards. Leonard served as an alternate observer, hoping to continue the tradition. Suzie, an accomplished horsewoman, worked cattle alongside the family and played an essential role in sustaining the operation.
Today, Glynn and Susan, Mike and Jeanette, Daniel and Renee, Leonard and Jennifer, and Suzanne and their families continue that legacy. Their contributions reach beyond the ranch, with Mike serving Humboldt County as a district court judge and Daniel helping preserve Basque culture through the University of Nevada, Reno’s Center for Basque Studies.
Rodeo has remained a proud family tradition. Suzanne Montero Williams earned College National Finals Rodeo all-around championships in 2001 and 2003 and qualified for the National Finals Breakaway Roping in 2025 and 2026. Alongside her husband, Dan, she has coached at Lassen Community College, helping develop the next generation of rodeo athletes.
Glynn and Susan’s son, Trenten Montero, carried that tradition to the highest level, qualifying for the 2019 National Finals Rodeo in ba****ck riding and winning the second round. His passing in 2023 was a tremendous loss. Today, the Trenten Montero Foundation honors his memory by supporting rodeo athletes and families facing tragedy.
While family members have followed different paths, the ranch remains their gathering place. In 2023, they celebrated the centennial of Pine Forest Land and Stock’s incorporation, honoring a century of ranching heritage. Through celebrations, challenges, and loss, the family remains united by their roots in northern Nevada.
The Montero family’s legacy is one of immigrant determination, dedication to the land, rodeo achievement, and service to others. Their commitment to preserving the family ranch and supporting the Western community embodies the values of the Nelo Mori Ranching Heritage Award.
WSRRA proudly honors Frenchy and Suzie, their children, spouses, and the generations continuing their story.
