Margaret Ollie (Houser) Dooley

     Margaret Ollie Dooley passed into the next world on March 18th, 2025. She was a resident at Highland Estates assisted living in Burley, Idaho. Two of her children, Eddie & Lisa – and her niece Carrie Thompson, were close by.

     Margaret was born on 22 January 1945, in Dexter, Chaves, New Mexico, to Wendell Irvin Houser and Margaret Frances Anderson Houser – the 5th of six children. When she was seven, her family moved to Declo, Idaho, where she was raised and attended school. Her parents fostered a love of music. Her father played a ‘fiddle’, her mother played guitar and banjo. Margaret showed a love for music early on – and soon developed budding talents for these instruments along with a beautiful voice and went on to become a gifted performer.

     Her hobbies and interests included Gardening, Guitar, Singing, Music Composition, and History. She was an outspoken supporter of everything good, and would express her astonished disappointment when confronted with evil. Margaret was acquainted with many sorrows and experienced much heartbreak that arose from selfish and sometimes despicable acts of others.

     Mother of 9 children, Margaret found herself their sole provider and went to great lengths to protect them. Edward (Eddie) Kidd, shared this, “Here is a story about my Mom's Courage and our family band "The Burning Sage". Mom (Margaret/Jacque) would have to answer to someone in the crowd about why her children were in the Nightclub, playing Music. Well, she would just say, "I know where my children are." And we would do the next song.”

     On 25 February 1986, Margaret married the love of her life, Earl Wayne Dooley, who treated her with love, kindness, and deep respect. When he passed in September of 1999, her heart was filled with an emptiness that was comforted when her sister, Charlotte, invited her to live with her. They supported one another until Charlotte passed on September 20, 2014.

     Margaret was preceded in death by two infants, Marvin Norm Kidd, Jr. and Lanita Marie Kidd; her husband, Earl; her father and mother; brother, Robert Fred Houser; sisters, Jeanie Leota Winkler; Doris Olivia Bosley; Wendella Ann Lyda, and Charlotte Kay Houser.

     She is survived by 7 of her 9 children, Melody, Marva, Richard, Edward, Wendellyn, James, and Lisa; 21 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.

     The family wishes to thank Margaret’s niece, Carrie Thompson, for her many – many – hours of devoted care and service both before and especially during the years Margaret resided at the Highland Estates assisted living facility in Burley, Idaho. They also give thanks to the staff of Highland Estates.

     Special mention for the kindness and care provided by the Hospice nurses during Margaret's last days and moments with us.

     The family also wishes to acknowledge the loving care and kindness shown by the members of the Burley 10th Ward and the Hagerman Ward. In addition, a special mention to the family of Phil and Janet Gerla who served as Margaret’s home teachers while she lived in Shelly Minnesota – and to all the kind members of the Grand Forks Ward, Fargo North Dakota Stake.

     Margaret was a faithful active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although trials kept her away from church for many years, she came to understand the gospel, and loved to read and ponder the scriptures. She was sealed to her husband, Earl, in the Bismark ND Temple on February 26th, 2011. The messages of the prophets brought great comfort and joy to her – especially in her declining years.

     Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.

     Inurnment will take place on a later date at the Hagerman Cemetery in Hagerman.

Flower arrangements should not be ordered through our website.

Please contact your local florist directly.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Ollie (Houser) Dooley, please visit our floral store.