Margaret Louise Woods age 96 of Shenandoah Iowa, passed away on October 11, 2016 at the Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah Iowa. Margaret was born May 1, 1920 in Shenandoah Iowa to Ollie Ralph Hayes and Myrtle Mae (Kammerer) Hayes.

Margaret was one of three children of Ollie and Myrtle Hayes, Catherine (Hayes) Burris being the eldest and Betty (Hayes) Benscoter being the youngest.

Margaret was a graduate of Shenandoah High School and while a student, studied piano and violin. On July 20, 1940 she married Pardee James Woods. To this union two children were born Margaret Anne and Pardee James, Jr.

Margaret was an organist and pianist for the First Presbyterian Church and later the Congregational Church in Shenandoah where she performed until health issues prohibited her playing the piano and then the organ. During these same years she also played the piano and organ for funerals and weddings in southwest Iowa plus taught piano and organ lessons to numerous members of the southwest Iowa community even during her later years. Margaret was an avid seamstress and gardener. She produced numerous quilts some of which were used in charity drives and donated to Elm Heights. She also enjoyed cooking. Music students would often come to lessons and experience the aroma of something good baking in the oven.

She was preceded in death by her husband Pardee "Jim" Woods, Sr., parents Ollie and Myrtle Hayes, sister Catherine Burris and one grandchild Melissa Anne Neal.

Margaret is survived by her son Pardee Woods, Jr. of Shenandoah, daughter Margaret Neal of Red Oak, three grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and sister Betty Benscoter of Shenandoah.

Celebration of life memorial service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah.

Memorial visitation with the family will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah.

Burial of cremains will be held at a later date at Monroe Cemetery in Imogene.

Memorials may be directed to the Shenandoah Music Association.