Marguerite Ann Villars

It’s so hard to condense nearly 104 years into a few paragraphs, but here we are, honoring Marguerite Villars, born in 1922 and who has just passed away peacefully in 2026.

She was born to William and Louise Munn in Spokane, the oldest of three children. Growing up she was sort of a tomboy, which would serve her well later in life. She attended North Central High School and University of Washington, graduating with a degree in pharmacy. Early on, she was employed at Hart and Dilatush pharmacy, and later at St. Lukes Hospital, where she eventually became Chief Pharmacist for many years.

In the forties and fifties, she attended a Methodist Church and became involved in the YAF’s (Young Adult Fellowship) there. Somebody suggested they try some square dancing, and she caught the eye of a young man who owned the sound equipment and some dance records, Jesse Villars, and in 1955 they married. She told him to pick the home he would be happy with, because they would not be moving, so in 1957 they moved into the family home, never to move again.

In 1960 they had a son, which put their square dancing on hold until he turned fifteen. They resumed dancing and became a valued part of the local square dance community and helped break ground and build the North Spokane Dance Center. In 1998, Marguerite & Jesse received the local square dance Hall of Fame award. They continued to be each other’s dance partners until his passing in December 2002. She considered leaving square dancing but was encouraged to continue, since she had built up quite an extended family in the community. In 2003, Marguerite & Jesse (now posthumously) received the MacGregor Award at the Washington State Square Dance Convention. She continued to dance until she found it difficult to get around without a cane, shortly before Covid hit us.

In the last few years, she attended a few dance functions (like the annual Salmon BBQ in Spokane Valley) and joined her son & his wife at Liberty Lake Community Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse, her brother Jack and her sister Jean. She is survived by her son, Allan, granddaughters Hope, Melody & Krystal, grandsons Nathaniel, Joshua & Jeff & twelve great-grandchildren.

We expect that Marguerite and Jesse will continue to square dance in heaven.

A Visitation will be held at 9:30 am on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026, at Heritage Funeral & Cremation. 508 N. Government Way. Spokane, WA 99224. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am with a Graveside Service to follow at 12:00 pm at Riverside Memorial Park.

We will be holding a separate Celebration of Life with Potluck at the North Spokane Square Dance Hall Sunday February 22, 2026 at 1:30 located at 7424 N. Freya Street  Spokane, WA 99217

Her legacy continues through a scholarship in her name, given each year to a chosen pharmacy student at Washington State University, in cooperation with the Spokane Pharmacy Association - a reflection of her lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, and supporting the next generation.

In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations to one of Marguerite’s treasured charitable organizations:

North Spokane Dance Center (North Spokane Square Dance Association) Marguerite was deeply involved in the square dance community for decades. Donations may be made to:

North Spokane Dance Center 7424 N. Freya Street. Spokane, WA 99217. This is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.

Marguerite Villars Spokane Pharmacy Association Scholarship Endowment. This endowed scholarship is held at the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. All contributions are tax‑deductible as charitable gifts to the WSU Foundation.

Direct link to donate online:https://foundation.wsu.edu/give/?fund=f0c9bd6b-9352-4d42-b0bf-23d8505fcf15&cat=idonate_colleges&area=idonate_pharmacy&utm_campaign=marguerite-villars-spokane-pharmacy-association-endowed-scholarship

To mail a check: WSU College of Pharmacy ATTN: Sarah Kohler412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd. Spokane, WA 99202

She was so proud to support and fundraise for these causes, as well as many others, during her time with us, and knowing that this tradition continues in her absence means the world. Thank you!