Margie Smith

Click Here To View Memorial Video Click Here To View Funeral Services Click Here To View Graveside Services Click Here To View Life Celebration Margaret Jackson Smith, a well-loved resident of Idaho Falls for over 65 years, teacher and friend to many, went home to God on September 15, 2013. Margie was born the second of two daughters to John Walter Jackson and Maude McKinlay Jackson. She was raised on her parent's cattle ranch on Clover Creek near Bliss, Idaho, where she was born May 7, 1924. Growing up on the ranch, she enjoyed a childhood rich in experiences of rural life, which included cattle driving, branding, and many other shared tasks with the ranch staff. Margie's parents opened up their ranch house to the teachers from her school, and the personal bonds that were formed between Margie and those teachers inspired her to become a teacher. Her father was an active member of the Idaho Cattlemen's Association, which provided the family with opportunities to travel to the "Big City" of Boise and this is where her outgoing personality was truly nurtured. Margie had a natural passion for connecting with people, making new friends, and sharing her opinions on life. Through the years of story-telling, she shared her fond memories of ranch life including how she started driving her father's car when she was just six years old and the experiences of riding her horse to the one-room schoolhouse she attended through the eighth grade. As a graduate of Bliss High in 1941, she fondly admitted to stepping on the opponents' toes while playing basketball on the girl’s team. Margie attended the University of Idaho and became a life-long member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. During WWII, she taught at Lincoln School in Gooding, Idaho. She returned to the University of Idaho to complete her teaching degree where she met and married the love of her life, Courtland Smith, in 1948. They could only be parted by Court's passing in 2003, after 55 years of marriage. Margie highly treasured her time at University of Idaho and continued many close friendships from college throughout her life. This legacy was initiated by her mother in 1905 and has spanned four generations: daughters Pam (Idaho, Gamma Phi Beta, collegiate chapter president), and Courtney (Idaho, Gamma Phi Beta), and granddaughter Louisa (Colgate, Gamma Phi Beta), granddaughter Pele (Idaho), and son-in-law Ron (Idaho). Nothing made Margie prouder than being part of a long legacy to the University of Idaho and the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. Margie and Court remained avid Vandal Boosters, culminating in their role as Grand Marshals of the Homecoming Parade. She taught Idaho history in her classrooms and shared her genuine enthusiasm as her Idaho roots were many generations deep. Over the years Margie and Court's family background has been intertwined around the development of the Gem State. This included pioneering wagon trains, proving up on land near Filer, ties to the DeSmet mission, early merchants, bankers and strong community involvement. Quoting Margie, "To teach in elementary is to touch a life forever." She was a great extremely dedicated educator. She loved her students at Temple View Elementary (1959-1979) and Theresa Bunker Elementary (1979-1986). Through the years, more than 1,200 Idaho Falls fourth graders were in Mrs. Smith's classroom. Margie was instrumental in the early stages of migrant education. She was a devoted advocate for the education of all children, and a role model and mentor for new educators. After her retirement in 1993, she continued to actively tutor elementary students in her home Margie was always known for her red hair and spunky personality. Her gift for friendly conversation resulted in creating many personal connections and following valued traditions. Through her committed membership at the Presbyterian Church, and her PEO chapter, she was well-known for greeting members, visiting the house bound, and providing encouraging calls and cards. Clearly, participating in her community and continuing friendships brought her the greatest joy in her later years. She is survived by her daughter Pamela Peacock of Phoenix; daughter Courtney (Ron) Jelaco of Montreal, Quebec; granddaughters Pele Peacock (Nicholaus) Fischer of Phoenix and Louisa Jelaco of Montreal; sisters-in-law June Smith of San Pedro and Judy Smith of St. Lucie, FL; nieces and nephews Jackie (Dan) Roeser of Marsing, ID; Noel (Donna) Smith of Menlo Park, CA; Gilia (Astrid) Smith of New York City, NY; Julie Smith Clas of Baltimore, MD; Cyrus (Lori) Smith of Murietta, CA; Jennifer Smith Weedman of Boise, ID; and 12 grandnieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Ruth Ellen, and her husband Court. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Fairwinds and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for their kindness and excellent care. Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2013, at the First Presbyterian Church, 325 Elm Street. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery. A celebration of Margie’s life will follow at Vino Rosso, 439 A Street. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Bank of Idaho, c/o the Margaret J. Smith Memorial Bench Fund, P.O. Box 1487, Idaho Falls, ID 83403.

Memorial Services -- Monday

5:00 p.m. ,Monday, September 23, 2013 First Presbyterian Church 325 Elm Street Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: The family will visit with friends on Monday from 4-4:45 p.m. prior to the services at the church. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, followed by a celebration at Vino Rosso (439 A Street)