Margie McDowell, 71

Margie McDowell, 71, passed away, in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Thursday, October 7, 2021.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 23, 2021. at Pack River Cemetery with Dale Coffelt officiating. A celebration of life will be at 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at the Eagles Lodge, 1511 John Hudon Lane, Sandpoint.

Margie was born in Rigby, Idaho, on March 8, 1950, the daughter of Ruben and DeEsta Bishoff. Her early years were spent on the farm in Sugar City and Salem, Idaho. She learned to milk the cows, working alongside her dad doing farm chores. She would be joined by sisters Mary, Kathlene, Nancy, Julie and Amy.

Margie’s lifelong love of horses started when her grandpa bought her a Morgan mare. She joined the Teton Rough Riders, carrying the American flag in parades and rodeos. She graduated from Sugar-Salem High School in 1968 and enrolled in the King-Lawana Beauty College. In 1969, Margie packed her bags and moved to Sandpoint, going to work for the Vogue Beauty Salon. During this time, she met, and married Pat McDowell. To this union a baby girl was born, Valerie.

She joined the Idolwood Beauty Salon and, in 1970, she and Janie Bradetich, purchased the business and it became the Hair Hut. Margie and Janie became good friends, operating the salon for 37 years. They were able to travel to Arizona and Hawaii, and for their 25th year celebration went to Disneyland. Lost in the ’50s was most enjoyable for Margie. Doing hair, and make up, back stage and mixing with the legendary stars of that era. She was a member of the Eagles Lodge Auxiliary; Aire No. 589. Following a stroke in 2012, Margie has resided at Life Care in Sandpoint, and was elected president of the Residents at Lifecare.

A special thank you to the CNAs and nurses at Life Care and to dear friends Patty and Marilyn.

Margie is survived by her three beautiful granddaughters, Samantha, Amanda and Haley; five great-grandsons, Cash, Carter, Michael, Riley and Ryder; her sisters, Mary (Jim) Tkachyk, Kathlene (Cleve) Young, Nancy (Steve) Cook, Julie Bishoff and Amy (Ron) Butler. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Valerie; her parents, Ruben and DeEsta; and her best friend, Janie Bradetich.

Family, and friends, are invited to sign the online guestbook, for Margie, at coffeltfuneral.com.

Final arrangements are being handled by Coffelt Funeral Service.