Margaret Joy Vincent

A vibrant legacy of music and service continues to echo through the Magic Valley and far beyond, touching countless lives. The passing of Margaret Joy Vincent on October 23, 2025, marks the end of an extraordinary era, but her spirit and influence remain woven into the hearts of all who knew her.

Margaret Joy Wills took her first breath on November 6, 1930, amidst the rolling prairies of Gregory, South Dakota. She was the daughter of Ernest J and Myrtle Wills, a radiant welcome among four sturdy brothers—Lowell, Hank, Robert, and Wes—and her little brother Ernest Jr., each a pillar in the family’s tapestry. Later, her heart and spirit of sacrifice expanded to welcome her beloved sister Myrna, born after their father remarried Opal.

Mom’s spirit was shaped by the legacy of ancestors who journeyed from Hamburg, Germany (Myrtle) and Cornwall, England (EJ). Her mother, Myrtle, fluent in the language of her homeland, became a beacon for fellow German immigrants, weaving threads of comfort and understanding throughout their small farming community. Tragedy cast its shadow early, as Margaret lost her beloved mother at the tender age of five. Yet, from the depths of sorrow and rural poverty, she cultivated resilience, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to family. The Wills household, though humbled by poverty, overflowed with the music of togetherness. EJ’s piano lessons and the family melodies led by her brother Hank provided inspiration through the devastating Dust Bowl conditions and locust-plagued fields. For the first three years of school, Margaret wore her brothers’ overalls, a testament to the family’s resourcefulness and unity. When the land could no longer sustain cattle, the family embarked on a grueling westward journey. Their hearts were overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers welcoming them to sleep in haystack beds. Her cherished Shetland pony was transported across miles and became a symbol of hope and healing. Though their journey was destined for Oregon, fate led them to Gooding, Idaho, where new roots were planted and the seeds of Wills Toyota were sown.

As a young girl, Margaret rode her horse down Blue Lakes Boulevard, her spirit as free as the wind. At the University of Idaho, she heard Roger Dale Vincent’s baritone voice, which resonated with the music in her soul. Their union blossomed into a life rich with love, purpose, and boundless generosity. Together, they raised six children, each a unique testament to Margaret’s strength. Her home was a sanctuary of learning, structure, and music, where every child was encouraged to reach for their dreams and every guest was welcomed as family. Mom’s life was a symphony of devotion—coaching young pianists, supporting athletic pursuits, all while balancing the rhythms of family and marriage. She graced the airwaves with a radio show on women’s issues and was crowned Mrs. Idaho in 1965, her light shining far beyond her own home. From early childhood, Margaret could be found in the arena or on the trail, continuing to ride well into her late 80’s. She adored horses and was member of the Filer Wranglerettes Riding club for decades. Mom coached her daughters in horse shows, rodeoing, queening, riding club, and reining competitions. One could often find Margaret cleaning her tack, polishing horses’ hooves and grooming the horses to support others as they prepared to enter the arena. Mom has always supported everyone behind the scenes, as a friend, teacher, and coach when people needed encouragement. With radiant, endless energy, she loved serving. Mom had the unusual ability to transition from professional music instructor to helper in a matter of seconds with deep passion.

Farm life shaped the family’s character for generations. Whether it was bottle-feeding dairy calves during the early morning hours or working as a team when cattle made their inevitable escape, Mom showed us that every challenge could be met with patience, ingenuity, and determination. She instilled in us the grit needed for hoeing beets and working long summer hours. These tasks weren’t just work; they were life lessons, teaching us the value of perseverance, teamwork, and responsibility. The farm taught us many things, but it was Mom’s spirit and dedication that was truly inspirational. Mom demonstrated an unwavering commitment to weekly church attendance. Applying her boundless energy and iron will, she made sure everyone was spruced up in their “Sunday best” (often in matching outfits), and out the door on time. The patterns established during those years continue to resonate throughout the succeeding generations. As a long-time member of the Methodist church, Mom could be found either singing in the choir or accompanying the group at the piano. Her belief in God’s existence shaped her character, and she desired to impart these values to her children. When the inevitable childhood questions arose about the wonders of nature (stars, storms, living things), she explained that God had made them all. When discipline was needed, Mom’s belief in God’s oversight came in quite handy. We were sternly reminded that “God is watching you every moment, and He sees everything!”. Her favorite admonition was “Straighten up and fly right!”

In the late 1970s, Margaret embraced the transformative journey of Cursillo. Through these profound experiences, she gained a deeper understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and made the decision to place her trust and faith in Him. Her compassion radiated with Christ-like generosity. Whenever she heard of someone in need or facing unexpected hardship, she sprang into action. Whether it was a financial gift, a heartfelt card, a bouquet of flowers, or simply rolling up her sleeves to help clean a house, Mom embodied the true spirit of selfless service. Mom reveled in teaching her children to ski down the snowy slopes of Baldy Mountain. Always up for an adventure, Margaret loved to travel anywhere Roger wanted to go. Her love for her family was boundless, each one cherished for their unique qualities and talents. Through every storm and struggle, Mom’s voice echoed, urging us onward with grit and hope. When she took the position at CSI, a new music wing was needed. Dad joked that Jerry Meyerhofer, (former CSI President), never knew what hit him—he tried to sideline her with grant-writing tasks, but underestimated her unstoppable resolve. Dad often told us the music wing should have borne Margaret Vincent’s name, for her footsteps were too grand to fill. Mom once told us that she and dad were like two mighty plow horses, yoked together, pulling life’s burdens in perfect harmony. Their shared passion for music and community was the golden thread weaving through 63 years of laughter, song, and service, until Roger’s final curtain call in 2014.

Through piano playing and teaching, Margaret inspired a love of music that touched the hearts of everyone who heard her play or had the privilege of learning from her. A devoted mother, she taught piano to all six of her children, nurturing in them the same joy and discipline that music brought to her own life. While the children were young, she maintained a teaching schedule of up to 40 piano students in her home studio. She continued to study pianoforte with Teala Bellini. After raising her family, Margaret broke the mold of her era and fulfilled her dream of completing her education by earning Bachelor and Master of Music degrees under the guidance of Del Parkinson and Madeline Hsu at Boise State University — a testament to her lifelong passion and perseverance. Her remarkable career included her role as pianist for the Magic Valley Symphony, the Dilettante Musical Theater Group and in concert with her beloved husband, Roger. Later, she shared her talents and wisdom as a member of the College of Southern Idaho’s music faculty, where she became a tireless advocate for students, especially those in need of encouragement and support to pursue their musical dreams. Mom’s inspirational leadership in the

community was furthered through involvement with Idaho Music Federation and National Federation of Music Clubs, National Teachers National Association, PEO, and Eastern Star.

Margaret’s life was marked by kindness toward people in need, leaving every place and heart better than she found it. Her legacy is one of selfless giving, encouragement, and a steadfast belief in the power of community service. Margaret lived for the joy of lifting others, her life a testament to the beauty of compassion and the enduring strength of love. Her family—children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and all those she called family and friends—remain the living embodiment of her spirit, carrying forward her traditions of work ethic, music and generosity.

As Mom’s memory gently slipped away, her connection to music and family remained unshaken. She poured her heart into playing her favorite pieces for residents in assisted living—her music a gift of comfort and connection even as she faced her own challenges. During our final visits, her selflessness was still evident. Even in her frailest moments, Mom insisted we eat with her, offering us her own food with the same generosity that embodied her life. Her love was constant, even as she prepared to say goodbye. Upon hearing a woman’s hardship (just a week before passing), Mom predictably responded - albeit in her weak and failing voice, “What can I do to help?”. Shortly before her last breaths, with remarkable strength, Mom whispered, “Don’t get my hair wet,” a touch of her enduring spirit shining through. Margaret’s time on this earth has ended but the melody plays on in our hearts and souls. Her legacy is one of love, dedication, and the joy of music — a legacy that continues to resonate through every note played by those she taught and inspired. 

Margaret Vincent is survived by Laura (Allen) Vizzutti of Seattle, WA; Jo Ann (Phil) Gerrish of Filer, ID; Janie (Ron) Griff of Twin Falls, ID; Carol Miller of Woodinville, WA; Roger W. Vincent of Filer, ID; and Susie Vincent-DeJesus (Maritza) of Vancouver, WA. She was proud grandmother to Marcus, Nicholas and Gabriella Vizzutti; Anna Gerrish Fisher, Gabe, Vince, Luke, and Paul Gerrish; Kandis Griff Tutty, Lance Griff, Jerica Griff-Jones, Andy and Brad Griff; Alexis Skogen, Jasmine Miller-Kaniuka and Sterling Miller; Kelsi Miller, Chase Vincent, Taylor Moyle and Blake Vincent; Corey Vincent-De Jesus. She is also survived by 39 great-grandchildren. The family also wishes to thank her caring physician (Trevor Satterfield), as well as our private caretakers: Louisa Guliford, Bianca Santana, Leticia Merrill, Villinda Worden. We can never mention all of Mom’s amazing friends, and we are deeply grateful for your care. 

A celebration of Margaret’s life will take place at Twin Falls Reformed Church on Sunday, Nov 16th from 2 to 4 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to one of the following: 

Margaret and Roger Vincent Scholarship Fund, Twin Falls Music Club Foundation c/o/ 

Linda Aufderheide, 156 Brooklane North, Twin Falls, ID 83301 

Mission Aviation Fellowship, PO Box 47, Nampa, ID 83653