Margot Ellen Mclelland

Margo Ellen Hayman McLelland was born on October 4, 1944 in Newport Oregon to Marjorie Mitchell and Cecile Eldridge Esterly Hayman. Margo joined a family of girls, Marlene Cecile and Patricia Gail Hayman. The family moved to Salmon, Idaho, where Margo's mother worked as a nurse and her father worked at an automotive parts store. Margo and her sisters loved living by the river, riding horses and, to their parent's dismay, walking through their pasture barefoot to find fresh cow patties to stomp in! Another favorite story from her youth was when she snuck out with her sister Marlene to ride a horse and broke her wrist! Her sister told her not to tell anyone so Margo spent three days without her mother knowing her wrist was broken. Margo loved her sisters dearly. They reconnected later in life and enjoyed many hours around the campfire in Island Park telling their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren stories from their youth.

Later in Margo's childhood , the family moved to Pocatello, Idaho. She attended Bonneville Elementary, Franklin Jr. High, and Pocatello High School. While attending Franklin Junior High, she met the love of her life, David Ray McLelland. In high school Margo was active in Pep Club, Girls' Council, Girls' Athletic Association, and Spanish Club. Following high school graduation, she attended the School of Trade and Technology at Idaho State University. This degree led to many early job opportunities.

On November 1, 1963, she married David Ray McLelland. Margo and David went on to have many great adventures. The best of which included three children, Ronald Ray, Kathleen, and Donald David. Margo and David lived and built many homes in the Pocatello/Chubbuck area. The family resided the longest on Portneuf Road where Ron, Kathy and Don enjoyed many outdoor adventures including horseback-riding, hiking in the mountains behind the house and riding motorcycles. Margo and David went on to be sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on July 15, 1993. On November 1, 2020, Margo and David celebrated 57 years of marital bliss!

Margo loved her children and had a deep appreciation for education. After all three children started college, she pursued her own education earning a Bachelor's of Science in Corporate Training and eventually a Master's Degree.

Margo started as a receptionist at Idaho State University's TRIO support. As she continued her education, she eventually become an educational counselor for the program. It gave her great joy to travel across Southeast Idaho to help low-income and first-generation students attend ISU and actualize their educational dreams.

In addition to family, Margo loved the Denver Broncos, and chocolate! While cooking was not her favorite pastime, Margo's is famous for tater tot casserole and cottage cheese chip dip. While everyone in the family has tried, no one has mastered that famous dip. One of the joys of her life was her grandchildren. She loved spending time with them, letting them run wild and build forts in the basement or spend time with them at the cabin.

Margo retired from ISU in 2009. Following retirement, she and David served a mission in Independence, Missouri. During this service mission she and David lovingly cared for five historical sights, planting thousands of tulips, manicuring lawns, and removing snow so thousands could witness and enjoy the beauty of these significant grounds and buildings.

After their 18-month mission, Margo and David purchased land in Island Park that was near both of her sisters' cabins. Margo and David spent three years building a family cabin. David lovingly installed and stained every board with Margo by his side. The cabin was finished in 2015. The family has spent countless hours enjoying this beautiful property. Margo and her sisters have spent many hours there laughing and reminiscing.

Margo returned to her heavenly father on November 18th, 2020 at 12:13 a.m. Her husband, sisters, children, nephews and grandchildren were blessed to get to spend time with her during the last few days of her life. Prior to passing she was lovingly cared for by the nurses at Ashley Manor and Encompass Hospice. Her family is so grateful for the care she received.

Margo is survived by her husband David, her sons Ron and Don (married to Tiffany) and daughter Kathy (married to Mike). Grandchildren Mathew (married to Kayla) Luras, Stasia McLelland and Kayli, Kira, Kendon, and Kyler McLelland; and great-grandchildren Morgan McLelland and Jack and RoVe Luras.

"In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill." -Author Unknown


A public viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday November 20, 2020 at Wilks Funeral Home. Social distancing and masks are required.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday November 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in the Mountainview Cemetery, Pocatello ID. A Webcast of the service will be available on Margot's tribute page.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the "Tribute Wall" tab above.