Last weekend, Will DeLong was named the 2025 “Ranch Hand of the Year” before the kickoff of the 36th annual Ranch Hand Rodeo.
The event was held Saturday and Sunday, March 1-2, at the Winnemucca Event Center.
The “Ranch Hand of the Year” award is sponsored by the Agricultural District No. 3 as a way to recognize men and women who make their living in the ranching industry.
Agricultural District No. 3 Chairman Kent Maher said Will DeLong’s life was the epitome of what the ranch hand award represents.
“Will’s entire life represents exactly what a strong ranch heritage can provide; he was dedicated to this way of life and wanted to help others also see success within ranching and rodeo.”
Maher continued, “Will’s honor came a little earlier than we anticipated because of his death, but it is easy to see how much he deserves this award and the chance to stand alongside all those who have strengthened our local ranching heritage.”
Will was born January 16, 1974, in Winnemucca, Nevada, to John and Judy DeLong. He joined sisters Christy and Jhona on Trout Creek Ranch, becoming part of the fifth generation of family ranchers on the Jackson Mountains. Along with his sisters and cousins, Will’s younger years were filled with the adventures of ranch kids.
Will DeLong turning out cows in 2010.
Will started school at home at Trout Creek, attended the one-room Jackson Mountain School, and graduated from Albert M. Lowry High School with the Class of 1992. Will wrestled in junior high and high school and was a member of the Humboldt County High School Rodeo Club, competing in steer wrestling, tie down roping, team roping and cutting, where he won the Nevada State High School Rodeo Championship in Steer Wresting in 1992.
After high school, Will attended the College of Southern Idaho and Treasure Valley Community College as a college rodeo athlete. He earned his Associate’s Degree in Ag Business in 1995. He was also active in team brandings, stock horse competitions, and ranch rodeos. It was during this time in 1998 that he met and began dating the love of his life, Katie Marvel. They were married on June 1, 2002, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Winnemucca and began their life together at Jackson Creek Ranch, ranching and raising high-quality Natural Red Angus cattle.
Will DeLong and George Barton at Lovelock Ranch Rodeo.
Will and Katie had three children: son William “Billy,” daughter Matti, and daughter Louise. Will considered his three children to be his greatest accomplishment. He taught his children to never give up, stay positive, work hard, and always do their best. He was a wonderful husband and amazing father who loved his family so much.
Will was a hard-working cattle rancher his entire life and loved his horses, cattle and lifestyle. Will was an avid reader, loved spending time with his family, and loved watching his kids compete in Junior High and High School Rodeo as well as other activities and sports such as wrestling, dance and basketball. He was their biggest supporter and helper, providing them with any opportunity that he could.
Katie and Will, 2018
Will was an adult director for the Humboldt County High School Rodeo Club for many years and helped numerous kids and families at the rodeos. He was also a board member for the Nevada N-2 Ag Board, a board member for the Nevada Cattlemen’s, and active in other associations in the cattle industry. He was President of his family-owned business, DeLong Ranches, Inc., which was honored numerous times by the Red Angus Association for their high-quality cattle. Will was loved and adored by many and will be greatly missed.
Will, Katie and kids, 2024
Will is survived by his wife of 22 years, Katie DeLong. His son Billy and daughters, Matti and Louise DeLong. By his parents, John and Judy DeLong, and in-laws, Mike and Theresa Marvel. By sisters, Christy Wright and Jhona (John) Bell. By brother-in-law, Matt (Mary) Marvel, and sister-in-law, Jamie (Matt) Melarkey. His nephews and nieces: Trase, Quint and Cade Bell, Monte (Elizabeth) Stanton, Sophie Stanton, Trissa Wright, Ben, Macy and Michael “Amigo” Marvel, Anna, Lily and Maisie Melarkey. And two great nephews, Wayde and Teller Stanton. Will is also survived by a large extended family and many friends.
The “Ranch Hand of the Year” award was introduced in 2006. Past recipients include Frank Loveland, Loui Cerri, Harold Chapin, John and Tim DeLong, Buster Dufurrena, Jane Angus, Larry Hill, Louie and Frank Bidart, Sammye and Dan Ugalde, John Falen, Lilla and Woodie Bell, Garley Amos, Buck Tipton, Jack Warn, Ross Zimmerman, Diana Vesco, Chris Bengoa, Robert “Dennis” Brown, and Suzanne Montero.