Meet Cindy Beall
Cindy Beall is the great-granddaughter of Montague Stevens and a third-generation keeper of her family’s history. Born and raised in New Mexico, she grew up surrounded by the stories, landscapes, and quiet echoes of the American West - and those early roots shaped her calling. Cindy never set out to become a historian; she simply followed the deep pull of family, place, and memory.
For as long as she can remember, Cindy’s family safeguarded trunks filled with letters, artifacts, and fragile pieces of a life lived long before her time. This work was once shared between Cindy, her cousin Chellie Stevens, and her mother, Alice Best - who knew Montague personally and passed his stories down with love. Losing both her mother and cousin during the creation of this book was heartbreaking, but it also strengthened Cindy’s resolve. Today, she carries their torch as one of the last keepers of their collective legacy.
What drives Cindy most is her belief that Montague’s story matters far beyond her family line. His grit, resilience, and devotion - both to the land and to the people he loved - offer a kind of hope that feels rare in today’s world. She sees his journey as an important and often overlooked piece of American history, a reminder of what courage looks like when circumstances try to break us. His determination continues to inspire her, and she feels a deep responsibility to share that light with others.
To Cindy, this history isn’t just about the past - it’s about the truths that endure. Her work brings breath to old timelines, clarity to scattered archives, and warmth to the stories that might have otherwise been lost.
Her role in The Long Ride to Freedom is both personal and essential. As the family narrator and protector of truth, she offers the foundation from which this entire narrative grows.
Cindy still resides in New Mexico with her loving husband, Troy, their 2 dogs and their children and extended family nearby.
Alice Best
Story Contributors
Cindy’s mother, Alice, was the only daughter among five sons born to George Stevens, the sole child of Montague and Helen. Monty and Helen’s granddaughter, Alice was raised deeply rooted in frontier life and was, by all accounts, the apple of her grandfather’s eye.
At 86 years old, Alice, Cindy, and Alice’s niece, Chellie Stevens, embarked on the remarkable journey to bring Montague and Helen’s story to life. The crafting of Long Ride to Freedom was a profound source of joy for Alice. Her sense of humor, candid take on life, enduring spirit, and affirming memories were foundational threads to the development of Long Ride to Freedom. Only a few months into the writing journey, she unexpectedly fell ill and passed away. Yet her love, her stories, and her devotion to the legacy of Monty and Helen continue to guide this work forward.
Chellie Stevens Hoover was a beloved friend, collaborator, and steady presence during the early writing of The Long Ride to Freedom. Cindy and Chellie were more like sisters than cousins. Alongside Alice, Chellie was an essential partner in helping shape and support this project from its beginnings. The shared dedication to preserving family history and honoring those who came before them formed the foundation on which this book was built.
Chellie’s sudden illness and passing in October 2023, followed shortly by the loss of Alice, marked a profound turning point in this journey. Their love, encouragement, and belief in the importance of this story continue to guide its completion.
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Chellie lived a life defined by connection, generosity, and joy. She was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend, known for her warmth and her unique ability to connect with others. Professionally, she built a respected career in commercial real estate appraisal, earning her MAI designation and giving back through leadership and service in numerous organizations. Whether through community involvement, music, or simple acts of kindness, Chellie consistently sought to brighten the lives of those around her.
Chellie’s legacy lives on through her family, the many lives she touched, and through her devotion to helping place Montague Sheffield Stevens in his rightful place in history - ensuring that his inspiring true story would be preserved and shared with the world.
Chellie Stevens
James Montague Stevens was the first great-grandchild of Montague Stevens. His father, Gordon, grew up in the presence of his grandfather, Montague, carrying forward the stories and quiet legacy of the family name. Though christened James, he was lovingly called Monty, a name that bound him to the great-grandfather whose life would help shape his own.
From an early age, Monty listened to stories shared by his father and two uncles; tales of courage, wilderness, and sacrifice. He felt a deep connection to the great-grandfather for whom he was named, and that bond grew stronger over time. Becoming a passionate hunter and devoted conservationist, he studied Montague’s life closely, gathering every piece of history he could preserve.
As the older brother of Chellie, he passed these stories on to her, ensuring the family legacy endured. After Chellie’s tragic passing, Monty stepped forward to help his cousin Cindy complete this book. His knowledge was invaluable, especially in bringing authenticity to the hunting scenes and the spirit of the wilderness that shaped Montague’s life. Above all, he shared his sister’s belief that their great-grandfather’s story should live on, carried forward for generations yet to come.
James Montague Stevens
October 10, 1936 – April 18, 2024
March 16, 1961 – October 9, 2023