Helen M. Gawthorp-Mackey Obituary (1936 - 2020)

Helen M. Gawthorp-Mackey, 84, of Mansfield, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at Farmer City Rehab & Health Care, Farmer City, Illinois. A graveside memorial service will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at Mansfield Cemetery, Mansfield, Illinois. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Cornbelt Fire Protection District, Mahomet, Illinois. Helen was born April 18, 1936, in Humboldt, Illinois, to Harry and Lela Tague Yoder. She married Alva Junior Gawthorp on November 19, 1953. He passed away August 17, 1981. She married Dale Mackey on November 6, 1982. He passed away January 26, 2005. She is survived by her three daughters, Brenda Diane (Scott) Payton of Mansfield, Illinois, Cathy Lynn Bemount of Mahomet, Illinois, and Carla Jean (Randy) Buchanan of Mahomet, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Bill Saathoff; Amber (Jason) Shinker; Shawn Moore; Kristy (Chad) Jachowske; Chris (Kandice) Bemount; Joshua (Tim) McKenna-Buchanan; and Jacob (Rachel) Buchanan; and seventeen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Bob and Gene Yoder, and one sister, Linda Key. Helen was an amazing cook and baker who made the very best fudge. She loved watching the Hallmark Channel and taking long countryside drives down to Arthur, where she grew up. Helen was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted friend who will be deeply missed. The family asks that during the graveside memorial service, people take precautions and follow the standard COVID-19 protective procedures.