Situated amongst the high chaparral in the northern Sonoran Desert, Rancho El Choyal enjoys mild winters and warm summers. 100 miles and 100 years southwest of Tucson Arizona, this fifth generation family owned working cattle ranch holds strong to tradition. Conservation and preservation are first and foremost for the Henson-Zepeda family who live and work on this nearly 14,000 acre cattle ranch. Karen Maria Zepeda along with her husband Joe Henson and their children Rebecca, Christina, and Daniel have built up this rancho on what was once a line camp of the original 100,000 acre ranch, of Rancho San Carlos. Passed down from Maria’s great-grandfather Jesus Maria Zepeda Suasutegui, a cattleman and mine operator.

Jesus Maria was born in Altar, Sonora, September 8, 1862 to Maria and Fernando Zepeda he was descended from Spanish explorers and cattlemen and had extended business interests in both Mexico and the United States. He was once in partnership with leading pioneers in Tucson, including Epes Randolph, Leo Goldsmidt and Levi Manning.

His mining interests included operations at the Grupo, San Manuel, La Campana and El Cabota mines, and many years ago used to take gold by pack mule to Tombstone.

In 1913, during the Mexican Revolution, he lost a million dollars worth of cattle but was able to recoup his fortune. He owned the vast properties of Rancho San Carlos and La Garrapata in Sonora, and was known as a collector of priceless Spanish treasures.

He was married to Miss Emilia Ronstadt, daughter of Col. And Mrs. Frederick Ronstadt. Jesus Maria’s son Rudolph G Zepeda Ronstadt and his son Rudolph H Zepeda Richardson ran Rancho San Carlos.

Rudolph Zepeda Jr. married Dora Jo Heap Rosenblatt of Prescott, Arizona. They met at the University of Arizona. Dora Jo ( Guerita) , a blue eyed, blonde hair beauty, was the only daughter of Joe and Dora Heap. They fell in love and after Rudy serenaded her outside her sorority house they eloped and went to live with Rudy’s grandfather, Jesus Maria at Rancho San Carlos much to Dora Jo’s parents dismay. She loved the ranch life and all of the adventure it had to offer. Jesus Maria, being a product of the 19th century and a very provincial man did not approve the fact that ’La Guerita’, an avid horseback rider, wore levi jeans, “proper women wore dresses”, he would lecture her in Spanish. One day Dora Jo conceded to his wishes and wore a dress. She then proceeded to saddle, mount and ride her horse around the ranch. Of course young Dora Jo’s favorite speed was a at a fast gallop. Jesus Maria could look out of the hacienda and see Guerita’s long blonde hair flying in the wind and of course her dress flapping up around her thighs much to Jesus Maria’s horror. He never again mentioned his disfavor for levi jeans nor did ‘la Guerita’ (much to her delight) ever don a dress to ride in again. The couple had seven children; Kathryn Lee Zepeda, Rudolph R. Zepeda, Karen Marie, Christopher David, Mark Vincent, Philip Michael, and Fredrick Anthony Zepeda.

Along with her siblings Karen Maria (Maryita) inherited a parcel from Jesus Maria, affectionately called ‘Pachi’ by his grandchildren, which is known as Rancho El Choyal.

Today the operation still is a family ordeal. Joe Henson qualified in his own right, skillfully manages the operation with Karen Maria administrating. Since the children were old enough to sit on a horse and out of sheer necessity they have helped in all of the ranching aspects. Now full grown, their son Daniel is in charge of the hunting. Daughters Rebecca and Christina provide help in everything from hospitality to working and doctoring cattle. Any visitor can easily see the deep passion for the ranch life this family shares and appreciate their love for each other.

From the breathtaking sunsets to the abundant variety of wildlife, there are sights and adventure for everyone to see and experience...

http://parentseyes.arizona.edu/moraga/zepeda.html