Mary Carolyn Schott, a longtime resident of Alliance, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the age of 89 at Highland Park Care Center.
Mary was born on October 27, 1936, on the Tate Ranch in Cherry County, Nebraska, a ranch homesteaded by her family. Her roots in the Nebraska Sandhills and her love of ranch life remained an important part of who she was throughout her life.
Mary was married to Kenneth Schott and was previously married to Ralph F. Daniels, Jr.
She was the proud mother of four daughters: Sherie Jacobsen of Alliance, Nebraska; Carla Brafford of Torrington, Wyoming; Jana Salway of Lingle, Wyoming; and Lorie Jacobsen of Billings, Montana. She was blessed with eleven grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.
Mary was a woman of strength, determination and resilience. One of her greatest personal achievements was 52 years of sobriety-a remarkable testament to her courage, perseverance, and commitment to living a better life. It was an accomplishment she could be proud of and one that became an important part of her story.
Mary worked as a clerk for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad from 1975 until 1998.
Mary had a wonderful sense of humor and loved entertaining her family and friends with funny stories, poetry, and jokes—many of them delightfully off-color. She had a gift for making people laugh and for turning an ordinary moment into a story that would be remembered.
She had a deep love of genealogy and enjoyed discovering the stories and people who came before her. Her family history, her ranching roots, and the legacy of the Tate Ranch were all treasures to her.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Freda (Tate) Lawlis and Albert Lawlis; her sister, Roberta Sherman; and her grandchildren, Joshua Salway, Crystal Brafford, Emily Jacobsen, and Sarah Jacobsen.
She is survived by her daughters and their families, her sister Vicki Harris of Rapid City, South Dakota, and many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.
Mary will be remembered for her quick wit, her strength, her love of family and history, her connection to the Nebraska Sandhills, and most of all, the laughter she brought to those around her. Her stories, jokes, poems, and memories will continue to be shared by the generations who loved her.
Memorial services celebrating Mary’s life will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Alliance. Pastor Gene Hill will officiate.
Family and friends are invited to gather together to remember Mary, share stories, laugh, reminisce, and celebrate a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), or the Roberta Sherman Scholarship and sent in care of Erin Roberts, 1011 Duncan Avenue, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.