Ellen Jean Mackey (Jean), 89, passed away peacefully after a life devoted to faith, family, and learning.

Born on April 5, 1936, in Burley, Idaho, Jean grew up with a deep appreciation for her heritage and the values instilled by her parents, Wayne Ellis and Janet Cragun Mackey. Raised primarily in Sweet Home, Idaho, she was the eldest of four children. Jean often reflected on the blessings of her upbringing and the influence of her ancestors, whose courage and faith inspired her throughout her life.

Though Jean never married or had children of her own, she cherished her two brothers, Dennis (Janis) Mackey and the late John (Lana, Sheryl) Mackey, and her sister, Traci (Joe) Parsons. She lived just minutes from her parents for most of their lives and remained a devoted daughter. Her eight nieces and nephews, and their spouses, brought her great joy, and she delighted in being part of their lives.

Education and self-improvement were lifelong pursuits for Jean. She graduated from Brigham Young University in 1960 with a degree in business and accounting, a milestone she described as both challenging and rewarding. Her career began as a private secretary and later as an accountant, roles that reflected her diligence, intelligence, and strong work ethic.

Jean’s love for learning and history led her to travel extensively, especially throughout Europe. She loved collecting keepsakes from her journeys and treasured the beauty of different cultures. Each item she brought home told a story, and she displayed her treasures proudly. Sharing those stories brought her great joy, as she often reminisced about the experiences behind them. She also enjoyed curating collections of figurines and other objects she found interesting or beautiful.

An exceptionally talented cross stitcher, Jean created intricate works of art with a needle and thread. Her nieces and nephews fondly remember sitting beside her as she meticulously stitched, watching a blank canvas transform into a beautiful picture.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. Jean was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in various capacities. She bore a strong testimony of the restored gospel and often expressed her gratitude for the spiritual blessings she enjoyed. Her personal history and writings reveal a woman of deep conviction and unwavering belief in eternal families.

Jean’s legacy is one of love, faith, and strength. She will be remembered for her spirit, her thirst for knowledge, and her devotion to family and God.

She is survived by her brother Dennis (Janis) Mackey, her sister Traci Parsons, her sister-in-law Sheryl Mackey, and her beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother John Mackey, sister-in-law Lana Mackey, brother-in- law Joe Parsons, and niece Meggan Mackey.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 17th, at Gilliland Cemetery in Sweet Home, Oregon. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved parents.