Margaret Hansen

Our beautiful mother and beloved grandmother, Margaret Ann Hansen, 80, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, at Lifecare Center of Idaho Falls.

Margaret was born April 25, 1945, in Alameda, California to Ruth and Earl Church. She was the youngest of three sisters.

At a young age, Margaret moved with her family to Salmon, Idaho where she spent most of her childhood. The family eventually moved to Idaho Falls where she would live, work, and raise her family. Margaret’s greatest joy was raising and caring for her family.

Margaret met the love of her life, Vernal Hansen, in 1966. They were married that same year and were later sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS temple. Margaret and Vern were married for nearly 60 years. Mom and Dad lived in the same house on 2nd street for over 50 years.

Margaret lived a long full life characterized by her selfless dedication to her family, her children, and the men and women she cared for as a nurse and cosmetologist. When her own mother began suffering from the complications of Lou Gehrig’s disease, Mom tenderly cared for her mother in our home until Grandma Church’s passing, and thereafter Mom and Dad converted the spare bedroom in the house on 2nd St. into a beauty salon. Mom’s clients from downtown and from around our neighborhood then came to the house, where Mom continued to work while watching over her children. There was a constant stream of “ladies” coming to Mom’s salon every day except Sunday. Those ladies became extended family to us and were Mom’s supporters and close friends.

Eventually, Mom went back to school and earned her CNA license, and then her LPN license. She continued in these professions while caring for her growing family and maintaining her beauty salon at home. Mom worked at Life Care Center of Idaho Falls where she took care of Alzheimer’s patients for more than 30 years.

Not only was Mom a cosmetologist and a nurse but she was a very skilled cake decorator making beautiful, elaborate wedding cakes for friends and family.

Mom will be remembered for her love and kindness, her selflessness, and her numerous skills and abilities. Aside from her work and her crafts, Mom and Dad were also foster parents and welcomed several children into our home and cared for them as their own.

Mom was very active in her church, holding many different positions. She especially loved the young women and the primary. She also found joy working in the church library. Mom and Dad were temple officiators for many years.

Margaret is survived by her son, Jim (Charise) Hansen of Rio Rancho, NM; daughter, Darci (Jarrod) Szabo of Richland, WA; son, Kyle Hansen of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter-in-law, Alma Hansen of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Marla (Scott) Harris of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Josh Hansen of Idaho Falls, ID; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Vernal, her sisters, Shirley Klingler Johnson and Sharon Lewis, her son, Ervin Hansen, and daughter in law, Jill Hansen.

A Graveside service will be planned for a later date at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.