A lifelong friendship with late bull rider Brent Thurman changed the life of area resident Denise Henley.

Thurman’s commitment to residents with mental disabilities, which was well-known before his tragic death in a bull riding accident, molded Henley’s efforts to create a foundation in his honor.

As the event coordinator for the Brent Thurman Memorial Foundation, Henley has been a critical piece in ensuring events run in a fluid fashion.

“It’s a lot of hard work organiz...