Anton & Betty Lou Kost Inducted Into Founding 50

Betty Lou and Anton Kost Latest Inductees to Wide Open Spaces Foundation Founding 50

Wide Open Spaces Foundation is humbled to announce another inductee to the Founding 50 honorees. Anton and Betty Lou Kost, Renee Sutton’s parents, were long-time supporters of rodeo and the Burke Stampede Rodeo.

In Renee’s words, “In the spirit of the great American West, Great Dreamers, Achievers, Believers, Heroes, and Legacy Leavers, it is my privilege along with my brother John and sister Melissa and families to place our parents Anton and Betty Kost on the Wide Open Spaces Wall of Fame.

While Dad enjoyed rodeo (he loved to work and innovate more), Mom was an all-in supporter of all things rodeo and the western way of life. Anton was a self-made rancher and cowboy who worked tirelessly to carve out his piece of heaven on the beautiful and most often productive plains of South Dakota just a few miles north of Parade. Every season had a challenge…droughts, blizzards, markets, high interest rates, however, our bigger than life Dad met those challenges head on and always knew what to do. Betty Lou worked right beside him, and perhaps the South Dakota Pioneering Spirit Award presented to her in 1988 says it all for both of them: “The Tenacity, The Ability to Improve, The Unselfishness of the Pioneer”.  We learned together to work hard, work honest, dream big, and never, ever, ever quit!

Betty Lou earned her teaching degree in part by attending summer school, and her teaching career spanned 48 years. She made Kindergarten a famous and special place in Eagle Butte for 40 years. She was so very positive and such an encourager not just as an educator and believer in education but also in life. She made everything happen (but especially rodeo) for her children, grandchildren, and the legacy continues today in her great-grandchildren.

Among the countless donations and sponsorships to kids, folks in need, and rodeo activities, the Burke Stampede Rodeo Committee is so very thankful for the sponsorship that began in memory of Anton and is now carried on in memory of Anton and Betty for every one of our 36 years.

Heroes to us, it is our hope that when you see Mom and Dad’s picture on the Wall of Fame, you will not just reflect on their life but remember all the positive role models in your life as well. That you might see a piece of your life, your dream, or be inspired to fulfill a dream.  It is just so very cool and perfect that their memory lives on and continues to make big dreams come true for our Wide Open Spaces!”

Wide Open Spaces Foundation is investing in an extraordinary gathering place that honors our past, energizes our present, and secures a strong future in Gregory County, South Dakota. Founding 50. We were formed to support Burke Riding Club and Gregory County 4-H’s plans for the Burke Rodeo Grounds, and we aim to ensure our community has a place to support rodeo and youth activities for generations to come.


Founding 50 members invest $5,000 to support the first phase of a multi-year improvement project at the rodeo grounds. To become a Founding 50 member, contact Wide Open Spaces by email, phone, or visit with any board member. Donations of any amount are always welcome, and you can donate here.