Drucilla Barner, Wendell Robie’s executive secretary at Heart Federal Savings and Loan was one of the first women to ride the Western States 100 Mile One-Day Ride and in 1961, she became the first woman to win the Ride. In addition to riding, she contributed to and supported the Ride from the first day she rode the trail until her death. After her death she continued to support the Trail and the Ride through the Dru Barner Memorial Foundation created out of her very modest estate. The Foundation has been instrumental in the creation of Dru Barner Equestrian Park in El Dorado County and has supported the preservation and enhancement of the Western States Trail and other trails on the Western slope of the Sierra Mountains for many years.
Drucilla Barner’s memory is honored annually by presenting a distinguished service award to a person, who like Drucilla Barner, has made a significant contribution to the goals of the Western States Trail Foundation.
2010 Roxanne Greene
2011 Heather Davis
2012 Marvin Jacinto
2013 Jerry Scribner
2014 Bill Pieper
2015 Mike Pickett
2016 Kathie Perry
2017 Jeff Herten and Debby Lyon
2018 Tom Christofk
2019 Joe Larkin
2020 Chuck Mather
2021 Barbara White
2022 Kate Riordan