Helen M. Mackey

Helen M. Mackey, 85, of Cottonwood, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2013. She was born on February 27, 1928 in Deridder, La, to James and Nellie (Tock) McMahan. She grew up on a farm and attended school in Neosho, MO with her two sisters and one brother. After growing up, she married Phillip Mackey. She worked at Big Smith Pant Factory until she became a CNA, then going on to work at Sale Memorial Hospital. In 1949, she and Philip moved to Los Alamos, NM, where the atomic bomb was developed. Here again, Helen worked as a caregiver for a Los Alamos hospital, taking time to bake and entertain as she loved to do. Her cakes won many a blue ribbon at the New Mexico State Fair. In 1975, she and Philip moved to Amarillo, TX to continue working for government. Her daughter Jean and her grandchildren were her life and she was so very proud of every accomplishment that they made. She was a member of Verde Baptist Church in Cottonwood, AZ and a charter member of Hilldale Baptist Church in MO. Helen was predeceased by her husband Philip. She is survived by her daughter Jean (Duncan) McLeod of Cottonwood, her grandsons, Duncan (Bryn) McLeod of Phoenix and Ty (Stephanie) McLeod of Tempe; her Great-grandchildren, Rowan, Lachlan and Campbell and several nephews. A memorial service will be held at Cottonwood Village, 201 Mingus Ave, Cottonwood, on Wednesday October 2, at 11 AM, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helens name can be made to the Diabetic Association or to Hospice Compassus. An online guestbook is available to sign at www.westcottfuneralhome.com