Mary Schock

Our world lost an amazing mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, animal guardian and human on 12/19/25. She died in the comfort of her home with family at her side.

Mary Schock was born in January 1934 in West Palm Beach, Florida to Pauline Strickland and M. Barrows, growing up with RW McMath as her father. She had a zest for life and never lost her love for the beaches, flamingos, and fun.

Mary called Cody Wyoming home for the past 65 years. Mary grew up on a farm in Powell Wyoming. She recalled many fond memories with her classmates including riding her horse, Prince, into town to attend all of her High School social and sports events. She would have her horse stand in a ditch so she could mount the horse and ride bareback with a halter rope so as not to mess up her clothes. She never missed social fun. Mary was always classy in dress, appearance, and persona in all phases of her life. How she could always look great but still work hard and get her hands dirty was always magic.

After graduation from Powel High School, she attended Carroll College to study nursing. She did her nurses training in Helena and at St. Vincents in Billings. While in training in Billings, she met Fred Schock at Steiney's bar. They hit it off right away and subsequently married in a small ceremony with friends on April 20, 1956.

After nurses training and the birth of their son Greg, they moved to Missoula for Fred to finish his degree and Mary worked at St. Patrick's Hospital. They moved back to Billings where Mary worked as a labor and delivery nurse at St. Vincents, she recalls many memories with friends and her good friend Scotty Bettise.

Her daughter Tara was born in Billings during this time. Fred and Mary lived in a small apartment setting their course for their life.

They moved to Cody, for Fred to join the "Husky Oil" family. Mary continued her nursing career while working with Drs. Gautsch, Ridgeway, and Dominick as well as working labor and delivery at the Cody Hospital. Later she worked full-time in the clinic with Dr. Koehler Both careers were always busy, but Mary and Fred put their family first. Marilyn was born in Cody and 3 years later they built their home of which they would reside 61years.

Mary and Fred were known as the 'crazy couple" as they lived life fully seeking much fun. During their 50th wedding anniversary party – Mary said, "we were always known as the crazy couple – but the secret was that we were just crazy in love." They were good partners.

Mary was always active in the community. Her most proud community moment was being a founder of the Park County Humane Society (now known as PCAS) in partnership with Malcom Blessing DVM. Her impact on protecting, rescuing, and keeping animals safe to find their forever home is still felt today. Mary gave thousands of volunteer hours, blood, sweat, tears and financial support to assure that Park County had a safe haven for their animals. Mary and her friend Gerry Patterson were the "shepherds" of animals in the county. They were known as the "2 old women "in the little white car rescuing abused and abandoned animals out in Park County. – The sheriff knew them well!

During the past few months of her life, she shared fond memories of her life and felt so blessed that she had so many great friends. Mary played her last Bridge game on December 2, 2025 – and had that one wish to play again that day. Sarah Weedin always made sure Mary was at the bridge table.

She recalled the parties with Don and Scotty Bettise, helping with harvest at the Schock Ranch, the waterskiing weekends at Newton Lake with the Browns, McNeeley's, and Pearsons, drinking sangria on the patio with Joyce Hudson, Donna Beauchamp, and Paddy Chase. Four- wheeling and weekend picnics, delivering milk up North Fork, the Elks picnics, events and dances. Fred and Mary loved to dance, spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids. She enjoyed all her family and friends from the Elks Club and Husky Oil. Her life was rich with people she loved,

Mary is survived by her children Greg (Janet) Schock, Tara (Alden) Hart, and Marilyn Schock

Grandkids Natalie (Ron) Berry, Norrie (Jeremy) Pollock, Zachory (Lacey) Hart, Malory Hart

Great Grandkids: Breckin, Brendall, Dracen, Bowen, Remington, Bridger

Predeceased by husband Fred and granddaughter Nicole.

Special thanks to Dr. David Mills and Cody Regional home hospice for the amazing care.

A celebration of life / reception will be held on Wednesday, 1 pm on January 7, 2026, at the Cody Elks Club. We will include time for remembrance and stories. Mary loved bright colors – please wear bright colors.

In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to the Park County Animal Shelter in Mary's name.