“Grandma Max” Honoured as One of Rodeo’s Leading Women

Oyen’s “Grandma Max” Honoured as One of Rodeo’s Leading Women, Cementing Her Legacy in the Sport

By Savanna Tye

Medicine Hat, AB – Many know her as “Grandma Max,” the super hockey grandma who supports her family with an endless supply of love, encouragement, and snacks. But for those in the rodeo community, Maxine Girletz is more than just a grandmother — she’s a trailblazer, a pillar of the sport, and one of the most influential women in rodeo.

On October 5, 2024, Girletz was honoured at a ceremony in Medicine Hat, where she was recognized alongside other legends such as Dee Butterfield and Monica Wilson as one of the most influential women of rodeo. The recognition, while well-deserved, is just the latest chapter in a long and remarkable story that has spanned decades, touched countless lives, and helped shape the rodeo world as we know it today.

Jeannette Zollner, left, founder of the Medicine Hat Cow- boy Poetry Foundation, interviewed Maxine at the Oyen Lodge July 28. The video, Hats Off to Women in Rodeo, will be available soon and may be found at www.MHCowboyLife.com.

Dee Butterfield

Monica Wilson

Maxine’s journey into the heart of the rodeo world began not as a competitor but as a devoted partner, mother, and later, as a ground-breaking woman working behind the scenes. Married to Wilf Girletz, a successful rodeo cowboy and later one of the best-known producers of rank bucking bulls, Maxine was always there — both at the arena and home.

Her late husband’s career and contributions to the rodeo world are legendary, but it’s Maxine’s tireless dedication that many people remember. For years, she was a key player in Wilf's success, helping with the daily grind and ensuring the family’s rodeo business ran smoothly.

Her love of rodeo wasn’t just about being the supportive spouse, however. Maxine became a vital part of the rodeo circuit in her own right, particularly in event timing. With a stopwatch in hand, she spent countless hours ensuring that every event ran smoothly.  She didn’t retire from this role until she was 80, a testament to her passion and commitment.

What sets Maxine apart is not just her support for her family or her role in the rodeo community, but her incredible attention to detail. “Her notes about the bulls are still read today,” says a fellow rodeo enthusiast. “She knew exactly who rode what bull, at which rodeo, and how many points they scored. She had an almost photographic memory of the rodeo world.”

Maxine’s dedication wasn’t just professional — it was personal. For years, she travelled with her family in their motorhome, which quickly became a favourite pit stop for rodeo competitors. Maxine’s home on wheels was a refuge, offering not just food but warmth, comfort, and camaraderie to everyone who passed through.

Her grandchildren remember the motorhome fondly as a place where, while they waited to compete, they could always find a snack or a quiet moment with Grandma. Even after her active involvement in timing rodeos ended, Maxine continued to attend events, often parking her motorhome in prime locations at popular rodeos like Gooseberry Lake or Hanna, where she could watch, cheer, and still be part of the action.

For those who’ve known Maxine over the years, her recent recognition in Medicine Hat is the culmination of a life spent giving back to the sport she loves. Being named one of the most influential women in rodeo is a rare and well-deserved acknowledgment of her dedication to the sport and the people within it.

But Maxine’s influence isn’t confined to her work behind the scenes. Her contribution to rodeo has been recognized by some of the sport's top figures, earning her a spot in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame as a Legend of Rodeo. This distinction honours her lasting impact on the sport and its culture.

Today, Maxine’s legacy lives on in every corner of the rodeo community. Her name is synonymous with dedication, passion, and resilience — qualities that have made her not only a beloved figure in Oyen but also an icon in the world of rodeo. Her story serves as a reminder that behind every great rodeo competitor, there are often unsung heroes who make the sport what it is.

And though Maxine might be known as “Grandma Max” to many, to those who truly know the sport, she is much more: a legend, a mentor, and one of the greatest women to influence the world of rodeo.

Maxine Girletz’s recognition in 2024 is not just a personal milestone, but a victory for women in rodeo everywhere. It highlights the importance of their contributions and solidifies Maxine’s place in rodeo history — a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of cowboys and cowgirls alike.

HATS OFF TO WOMEN IN RODEO

Submitted by Randy and Verla Girletz

On Saturday October 5, 2024 three honoured guests attended the Medicine Hat Cowboy Poetry and Western Music Show held at the Medicine Hat College Theatre.  Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Famers Dee Butterfield and Maxine Girletz and renowned artist Gena LaCoste were acknowledged throughout the performances and at the Chuckwagon Supper where they were introduced to the Medicine Hat Rodeo Queen, Charlie Christie and Princess, Charleston Sandford.

The Medicine Hat Cowboy Poetry Foundation is about promoting cowboy poetry and western music with emphasis on the lifestyle and history of the rural way of life. Their latest project  “Hats Off” showcases and celebrates rodeo greats with bios, poems and videos. The 2024 video series begins with Bud VanCleave a Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee in 1998. Future videos will feature Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Famers Dee Butterfield, Monica Wilson and Maxine Girletz. The video, Hats Off to Women in Rodeo, will be available soon and may be found at www.MHCowboyLife.com. Much gratitude to these rodeo legends for sharing their stories and memories.