Margaret Irene (Hays) Jackson

It is with great sadness that the family of Margaret Irene (Hays) Jackson announces her passing on March 6, 2026, at Fairwinds–Sand Creek Retirement Community in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She was 87 years old.

Margaret was born on July 26, 1938, in Newcastle, Wyoming, to Leonard Louis Hays and Marjorie B. Sutherland Hays. She was raised in Newcastle and later attended the University of Wyoming, where she met the love of her life, Joe Jackson in the University’s Marching Band. They were married on April 12, 1958, in Rapid City, South Dakota, and shared 56 wonderful years together.

Margaret and Joe made their home in Glenrock, Wyoming, where they raised their four children: Steve, Joe, Don, and Linda. For more than 50 years, Margaret was blessed to live in the same home, surrounded by dear neighbors and friends, including the Overstreets, Shoemakers, and Bennington families. She not only raised her own children but became a second mother to the neighborhood kids as well. From washing hair to making the best potato salad, Margaret was there.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Margaret shared her talents through her work at Kmart, First National Bank of Glenrock, and Wyoming Medical Center. Her children were her pride and joy—and she proudly (and faithfully) supported them in all their activities. She never hesitated to drive hundreds of miles to attend a sporting event, music festival, graduation, or wedding for her children and grandchildren.

Family was so important to her. Many special memories were made during the family reunions, especially the one she organized in the Black Hills. Sitting around the campfire in the Shirley and Big Horn Mountains with her family also brought many smiles.

Margaret enjoyed playing the piano, reading, cross-stitching, and—most recently—beating Linda at Kings on the Corner. She especially loved attending Joe’s musical performances, whether with his bands or his students.

A devout Christian, Margaret found strength and community in her faith and church involvement. She served as Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star and as Honored Queen of Job’s Daughters.

Margaret was so appreciative of the friends she made and the care she received during her stay at Fairwinds retirement home in Idaho Falls. Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Alliance Home Health and Hospice for appreciating mom’s sassiness and for the quality of care extended to her.

Margaret is survived by her sons Joe (Sharon) and Don (Laural); her daughter Linda; daughter-in-law Arlene (Steve); and sister Connie (Dennis) Bickers. She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe Jackson; her parents, Leonard and Marjorie Hays; her son, Steve Jackson; and her sister, Betty Lou Self.

Services will be held on March 28th, at 1:00 PM at the Christ Episcopal Church, 415 W. Cedar Street, Glenrock, Wyoming.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com. Memorials can be made to the Christ Episcopal Church’s Outreach committee in Glenrock, Wyoming.