October 31, 1931 – June 3, 2026
Mary Sue Koontz Nelson, an unapologetic Texas original and one of the most recognizable personalities in the Brahman industry, died June 3, 2026, at the age of 94.
Known to friends as Sue, Sweet Sue, SuSu and affectionately as the “Queen of the HK Ranch,” she was remembered for her larger-than-life personality, quick wit and unmistakable Texas charm.
Born Oct. 31, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas, Sue was adopted by Dr. and Mrs. Allan Clark Shields of Victoria, Texas. She grew up in a medical family, attended Hockaday School and Mary Baldwin College before graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1953, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.
Sue married Dan Conoly in 1954, and the couple had two children before returning to Victoria. In 1961, she married Victoria County rancher Henry Clay Koontz and embraced life on the historic HK Ranch, where she became an integral part of one of the world’s most respected Red Brahman operations. Together, they welcomed visitors from around the globe, entertaining cattle producers, dignitaries and friends with Sue’s trademark hospitality, humor and storytelling.
Following Henry Clay’s death in 1985, Sue later married Alabama rancher Thomas Nelson in 1990. Together they spent more than three decades raising Quarter Horses on the HK Ranch until his death in 2022. Sue later moved to San Antonio but often spoke of missing the ranch she dearly loved.
Throughout her life, Sue was a gifted entertainer and storyteller. From hosting a radio talk show in Colorado to becoming a sought-after motivational speaker, she captivated audiences with her humor, confidence and unmistakable Texas flair. Her signature red rhinestone jacket and red boots became as memorable as the stories she shared.
Sue was also dedicated to giving back through organizations including Texas Opera, the Victoria Bach Festival and Warrior’s Weekend in Port O’Connor. Her cookbook, *Stolen Recipes*, raised funds for Make-A-Wish and reflected her trademark humor — proudly admitting she couldn’t cook but certainly knew how to collect great recipes.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Dan Conoly, Henry Clay Koontz and Thomas Nelson, and her grandson, Augustus Cummings Koontz.
She is survived by her children, Shell Koontz Morrison (Andrew Morrison), Bart Conoly Koontz (Margaret Koontz) and Claude Keeran Koontz (Jessica Koontz); and her grandchildren, Lucas Bartolome Somoza, Fernando Storm Somoza, Shell Munro Koontz, Bart Conoly Koontz, Henry Clay Koontz and Serena Caroline Koontz.
Sue leaves behind an enduring legacy in the Brahman industry and in the countless lives she touched with her generosity, humor and unmistakable spirit. As she often said, “When I die, look up at the sky. I’ll be there painting the pink in the rainbows.”
In memory of Mary Sue, contributions can be made to AugustHeart (https://augustheart.org/donate/) or the Victoria Bach Festival (https://victoriabachfestival.org/get-involved/donations/), both of which held a special place in her heart.
