Anna’s Story
The World Needs More Cowboys
Annalee Amelia Schott was born December 8th, 2001 in Samara, Russia. On March 18th, 2003 Annalee joined her forever family: Avery and Lori Schott and brothers, Cameron and Caleb Weddle.
From a young age, Annalee thrived on our family farm in Minnesota. Her brothers, Cameron and Caleb, were active in rodeo, so our family traveled across the states to support her brothers. Annalee traveled along and made us take our old horse BUZZ – who consequently, served as her best friend and babysitter at the rodeos. The pair was loved by many, as this tiny little girl, with a deep Russian voice on this big horse, just radiated sunshine and happiness.
Annalee attended Community Christian School in Pease, MN until the 8th grade, then our family moved back to Avery’s hometown of Merino, Colorado to attend high school.
Following her brothers on the rodeo trail, Annalee participated in Little Britches, Jr. High School Rodeo (MN) and High School Rodeo (CO). Annalee also competed with her brothers and extended family at the International Cowboy Feedlot Finals and local rodeos. She was active in 4-H Beef and served as the VP of Merino FFA. Annalee loved her equine BFFs (Roxy, Flirty, Rock Star and Albie). Each day, Annalee was in our barn with her horses, chickens, goats, cattle and dogs.
Rural life, and the cowboys who supported, encouraged, and loved Annalee made it her favorite place. Annalee was shy, kind, soft spoken, and tender-hearted. She had a fabulous sense of humor and quick wit when it came to her family and friends. As tiny as she was, nothing really slowed her down. Memories of seeing Annalee getting Flirty in the arena for poles, riding her barrel horse Roxy, and watching her back into the box are things we cherish….and miss.
Annalee took her life on Sunday, November 15, 2020. Still searching for answers, our family will continue to keep Annalee’s memory alive. She had a purpose in her short life and it is our job to make sure that her passing is not in vain. It is now our purpose to make sure that parents, teachers, communities, and teens know that mental health issues need more focus in our lives. We need to understand the signs and support anyone you suspect is struggling. Say something, anything, as it can save someone’s life. Everyone is equally different and we need to embrace those differences.
“I love Jesus, because in this crazy, messy world he is my PEACE”
Annalee Amelia Schott
December 8, 2001 – November 15, 2020