Partners on the wide-open range and in life, Kathy and Joe
Vargas knew each other quite a while before they became
‘hitched’
Kathy and Joe Vargas used to see each other around at community brandings, but both were already married. Then, in 1994, Kathy’s first husband, Richard Fehlman, died of cancer. Joe’s 25-year marriage ended in divorce. They started dating in 1996, and got married in 2001, after they became business partners.
“It’s funny how things go,” Joe says. “She was always in the back of my mind. Kathy turned my life around. She’s the best thing that could have happened to me. No matter what happens, whether it rains or shines, she’s always there for me.”
‘We love the lifestyle. It’s a good way to raise your children and just enjoy the wide-open space and the beauty God gave us,’ Kathy Vargas
Roping the future
Kathy’s first husband, Richard Fehlman, died in 1994. Their son, Kenny, was killed in a car accident in 1987. Her other son, Craig, is the vineyard manager for A. Rafanelli Winery in Healdsburg.
Richard Fehlman was ranch manager for Chet Behen in Gilroy. Each June, the Richard Fehlman Figure 8 Contest is held in Hollister in his memory. “I always thought, God has blessed our family,” Kathy says. “When I lost Kenny and I lost Richard, I started to doubt that. You wonder why you’re here and they’re gone. Meeting Joe has helped ease that pain because I’ve been able to continue in this lifestyle with a man I respect and love very much. Joe admired my husband and I’m grateful that we can talk about him.”
“He’s polite, he smells good, and he was married for 25 years,” Kathy Vargas said, remembering what the girls from the salon told her about Joe. “That’s a good thing. He looks good in Wrangler jeans. He’s got a cute Wrangler butt.”
