Margaret L. Schooley
Margaret Louise (Nicholson) Schooley of Marshfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, on January 3, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on June 5, 1942, in Comus, Maryland, Margaret led a life marked by dedication to agriculture, community service, and family.
Growing up on her parents’ farm in Detour, Maryland, Margaret developed an early and lasting interest in dairy farming. As a young woman, she distinguished herself through 4-H and agricultural programs, earning numerous honors at the county, state, and national levels. She was a Maryland Grand Champion dairy exhibitor and a National 4-H Dairy Award recipient, attending the National 4-H Club Congress in Chicago in 1962. Her achievements reflected success in the show ring but also practical experience in dairy herd management developed early in life.
Margaret went on to attend the University of Maryland, graduating in 1964. Following her marriage to Ray Schooley later that year, she continued her lifelong involvement in agriculture as an equal partner in their dairy operation. In 1977, Margaret and Ray established Schooley Jerseys, first in Kansas and later in Niangua, Missouri. Together, they built a highly respected Jersey cattle herd, with Margaret playing a central role in herd management, recordkeeping, and business operations. Their farm was later inducted into the Missouri Dairy Hall of Fame.
Margaret and Ray shared their experiences with the broader dairy community as co-authors of an ongoing article series, “We Went Back to the Farm,” published in Hoard’s Dairyman from 1982 to 1984. The series documented their work in starting a new farm from the ground up. Throughout her life, Margaret remained actively engaged in the dairy industry, including participation in national and international events such as the World Jersey Conference and World Dairy Expo. Margaret and Ray traveled extensively to visit friends in the dairy industry around the world, including trips to New Zealand, Australia, and the Isle of Jersey, the island off of the coast of France where the Jersey breed originated. In later years, Margaret remained active and enjoyed trips to New Mexico to watch her grandson Warren play football and win the state championship in 2023 and 2024.
In addition to her agricultural work, Margaret was committed to her community. She was an active member of Marshfield United Methodist Church, where she served as Administrative Assistant and supported many aspects of church life. Margaret also served her community through public service, including her role as Deputy Clerk for Elections in Webster County, Missouri, and working at the Webster County Health Unit. She was known for her integrity, diligence, and professionalism.
Margaret married Ray Ronald Schooley in 1964, and together they shared sixty years of marriage and partnership. She is survived by two sons, Stuart and his wife, K.C. Schooley of Ranchvale, New Mexico, and John Schooley of Austin, Texas, one grandson, Warren Schooley, and other family members and friends who will remember her for her strength, competence, and devotion to family and community.
Margaret will be remembered as a capable and respected dairywoman, a committed partner, and a dedicated member of her community. Her contributions to the dairy industry, civic life, and family leave a lasting legacy.
In accordance with her wishes, no funeral services will be held at this time. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., Marshfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Webster County Service Unit in care of Fraker Funeral Home.