Rene Bennett

The Desperados wagon is co-owned by Rene Bennett and three of her cousins, who together purchased it after Rene’s mother Beverly Wilson Bennett Smith passed away in 2022. Beverly, one of the founders of the Desperados, was known for being the first female “wagon boss” in the Salt Grass Trail Ride. Pictured are (from left) Ryan Proler, David Shofner, Elizabeth Patton, Joanne Wilson Shofner, Preston Proler, Margaret Jo Byron, Rene Bennett, Ryan Wasaff, Rachael Bennett, Archie Bennett III, Logan Niscavits, Mandy Bennett Niscavits, Cecilia Herdeg, Joe Niscavits, and Maren Flood. (Photo: Eli Luke) 

Rene Bennett, Dick DeGuerin, and Michele DeGuerin Luke. (Photo: Eli Luke)

Rene Bennett and Michele DeGuerin Luke dancing up a storm. (Photo: Eli Luke)

The "Desperado Divas" camp together in a large RV (hence the "Diva" nickname). Pictured (from left) are Cecilia Herdeg, Rene Bennett, Michele DeGuerin Luke, Rachael Bennett Marshall, Maren Flood, and Liz Pepi. (Photo: Eli Luke) 

Rene Bennett strumming her guitar on the trail ride. 

Rene Bennett dancing with Mark Parmley, whose family started the Lazy 8 wagon, one of the original Salt Grass wagons.