Eleanor Helen Mackey

December 25, 1923 - December 21, 2020

Eleanor Helen Mackey, 96, passed from this life on Monday, December 21, 2020, surrounded by her loved ones. Eleanor Helen Rivers was born to C.O. and Angela Rivers Christmas morning, 1923, in Henryetta, Oklahoma. She was the youngest of three children. She attended St. Michael’s Catholic School in Henryetta, graduating in 1942. She was employed in the office of Boerstler Bros. Wholesalers after graduation. Eleanor and Amos Mackey were married October 30, 1948, in Henryetta, Oklahoma. Growing up a “city” girl, she soon learned to love country living, after moving to their “forever” home north of Okemah. There they operated a cattle ranch, which Eleanor continued to operate after Amos’s passing in 2004. She enjoyed raising her cattle another 11 years. She loved the outdoors and staying busy; growing a vegetable garden every year up into her nineties. Eleanor was a consummate homemaker, possessing a flair for interior decorating and cooking delectable foods, especially her Mexican food. A talented seamstress, she created many beautiful quilts and quilted accessories; an enduring legacy to her family. Reading was a favorite pastime. Mom always played an active role in her children’s activities as we grew up. She served as PTA President more than once, and she or dad always transported us the four miles into town for various practices, lessons, games, etc. Later, she liked nothing better than getting together with her family, and we with her. Eleanor was a long-time member of St. Teresa Catholic Church. She was also a member of several sewing and quilting clubs through the years, where she made many friendships. Eleanor was preceded in death by her loving husband, Amos. Also, her parents, C.O. and Angela Rivers, and brother and sister, Salvadore Rivers and Josephine Hensley. Survivors include her son, David Mackey and wife Annette; one daughter, Teresa Proctor and husband Frank. Grandchildren, Patrick Proctor, Sean Proctor and Misti Jacobs; and five great-grandchildren. A private family service will be held Tuesday, December 29th at 2:00 PM graveside at the Highland Cemetery in Okemah. Services will be under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.ParksBrothersFuneralHome.com.