NevadaDailyMail.com - Full Article
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Mary Margaret Koefod age 71, Milo, MO passed away April 25, 2025. She was born October 20, 1953 in Hanover, New Hampshire to David Lomas and Marion Irene (Iverson) Koefod. Mary grew up and went to High School and College in Minnesota. She had a Bachelor’s degree in Geology. She worked full time for a ranch in Minnesota working cattle, horses and sheep, while maintaining her own horse farm.
Mary started endurance racing horses in 1981. In 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987 Mary won the American Race of Champions and was the one to beat on her beloved horse, Dana’s Northlite + also known as Diamond. In 1987 she went on to win a gold medal for the Unites States Endurance/ Olympic Team. Also in 1987 Mary rode, what was proclaimed as the toughest 100 miles in the world and was the first person to ride with no crew for help and made 3rd only minutes away from first place. In 1988 Mary rode the same horse again, only this time winning the solo division and overall race, with no crew. In the late 80’s Mary was contacted by Brown’s Saddle Company in Neveda, MO and was offered a job, due to her accomplishments in horse racing, to come all expenses paid, and help design and test ride the Ortho-flex Saddles. She worked in the stirrup department there as well. Mary rode her horses from Milo to Neveda to and from work at Brown’s keeping herself and horses in tip top shape.
Mary raised and trained many horses on her farm in Milo. She was well known for her Palomino horses that descended from “Dana’s Northlite +”. Mary also loved and rescued animals, including cats and Mustangs. She especially loved her cats, in what seemed like, more than life itself. She rescued countless numbers of cats over the years and volunteered for “Vernon County People for Pets” and local veterinarians in Vernon County.
Mary was proceeded in death by her parents, Mary never had children, but she was a cherished mentor and guiding light for others, including Wendy Justice in the art riding and training horses as well as lessons on life. Mary provided guidance and wisdom without judgement to her mentees giving them the tools to think on their own. She passed down hard work ethics and how to be humble as well as the legacy of her cherished horses. She was highly respected by many of her friends and neighbors.
A Celebration of Life Brunch will be held from 11:00-2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Enchanted Prairie Farm, 17557 Stockade Road, Nevada, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to honor Mary’s love for animals can be made to the Nevada Animal Shelter in c/o Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.
You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com
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