Naomi “Sparky” Dent, 83, of Vero Beach, passed away on July 4, 2015.
She is survived by her son Johnny Dent (Jackie); step son Chuck Dent, Jr. (Joanne); five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
She is predeceased in death by her husband of 48 years, Chuck Dent and step son Danny Dent.
Dent was known for her trick riding in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. She started trick riding in 1946. She was hired to go to Havana, Cuba in 1951 to showcase her riding skills. She was a trick rider for 30 years where she performed across the United States.
She met the love of her life while on the Rodeo Circuit and she married Chuck Dent in 1952. Chuck and Sparky moved to Vero Beach in 1952 where they were hired to build the first Indian River Riding Club. In 1953 they bought property west of Winter Beach that became their homestead.
After retiring in 1976 they began increasing their herd of miniature horses. They became the owner and operators of the Dent Family Miniature Horse Ranch until their death.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Winter Beach Cemetery.
The family suggests that donations be made in Sparky’s memory to the Good Sherpherd Church of God, 4325 65th St., Vero Beach, FL 32967.
Online condolences may be shared at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.
