Jewels was born in Claremont, CA to USMC GySgt Simon DeLaGarza and later adopted by Stan and Jean Spies. She spent her childhood summers going to rodeos all over California with her uncles who were competing on the PRCA circuit. Jewels was involved in the western wear industry after high school which developed contacts she would soon use to further grow the MRCA.
Marriage to MRCA Commissioner Sonny Borrelli introduced her to Military Rodeo, and she was soon acting as the MRCA Secretary. For eight years, while raising a family she worked full time in the MRCA office ensuring that memberships were processed, standings were updated, rodeo entries were taken, sponsors secured, and newsletter were mailed in an age where it was a very manual process. As personal computers became more popular, she automated many of the processes for the MRCA. In addition to her office duties, she also worked onsite at MRCA rodeos as a timer and rodeo secretary. Her behind the scenes contributions were key to the MRCA becoming the premier military rodeo association in history. Never one to let opportunities pass by, she obtained her PRCA Timer card so she could also be involved at the PRCA level.
Her home was always the hub of MRCA activity as she opened the doors for any cowboy or cowgirl who needed a place to stay. She also held weekly Bible studies in her home conducted by a local cowboy preacher.
She credits PRCA Stock Contractors Cotton Rosser and Roy Honeycutt for “teaching her the biz”. This allowed her to be more involved in sponsorships, event awards, and rodeo performance planning and execution.
Jewels is now retired and living in Lake Havasu, AZ.
Born: 1959 in Clairemont, CA
