Janis Sue Kana Mackey, 71, of rural Hampden, ND, passed away May 20, 2026. She was born Dec. 7, 1954, in Grafton to Oliver “Taft” and Elizabeth Margaret (Stavert) Kana. She grew up in Grafton and graduated from GHS in 1973. Sue earned an English degree from UND in 1976 and a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1979. She was ordained in the United Methodist Church of North Dakota in 1980 and later served as a pastorscholar at Drew University.
On Feb. 25, 1982, she married Ronald Mackey in Seattle. After a short time in Starkweather, they made their home on the family farm near Hampden, where they raised their sons, Travis and Kyle.
Sue served congregations throughout the region, including Starkweather UMC, Hampden UMC, Edmore UMC, Michigan UCC, Lakota UCC, Michigan Lutheran, Sarnia (Whitman) Lutheran, and Langdon Presbyterian Church. She also provided pulpit supply in many surrounding communities. In later years she enjoyed playing in the Devils Lake Elks Community Band and the Langdon Community Band.
She is survived by her sons Travis (Sarah) and Kyle (Amber), and her grandchildren William, Grace, Henry, Olivia, Regan, Freya, and Ronald; her siblings Jane (John) Borland, Marit (Joe) Vamarasi, Jody Foster, and John “Jack” (Sonja) Kana; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, several siblings and inlaws, her niece Marit, and her husband Ronald.
Sue will be remembered for her deep faith, her steady presence, and her devotion to family and community. Blessed be her memory.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Presbyterian Church of Langdon, with visitation May 26 from at the church. Private burial will follow at Storlie Cemetery, rural Hampden. Memorials are preferred.
Arrangements by Aaker Funeral Home, Lakota, ND.
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