Florence LaDue

Florence "Flores" LaDue (1883–1951) was the stage name of vaudeville performer and champion trick roper Grace Bensel.

[2][3] Bensel left home, by some accounts running away to join a wild west show,[3] and began performing under the name Florence LaDue.

[4] They had a stint on Broadway in ‘Wyoming Days’[2] and did the Keith-Albee, Orpheum, and Pantages vaudeville circuits, as well as appearances in Glasgow, London, and Paris.

[5] LaDue retired as undefeated World Champion Lady Fancy Roper[3] after performing and competing for 31 years.

[5] Towards the end of her life, in the hopes of improving her failing health, they sold their home, outside Calgary and moved to Phoenix, AZ.

LaDue in Calgary circa 1913
Woman in black dress roping a horse and rider in front of a grandstand.. Miss La Due Champion Lady Fancy Roper of the World at the Stampede. Calgary, Alta. 1912.
Postcard of Miss La Due, Champion Lady Fancy Roper of the World at the Stampede. Calgary, Alta. 1912.