Thelma Ilene (Drivstuen) Mackey

Thelma Ilene (Drivstuen) Mackey, 84, of Lynden, Washington, “went home” to be with her Lord and Savior and into the loving arms of Gordy on Thursday, March 2, 2017 in Bellingham, Washington. Ilene was born June 8, 1932 in Arlington, Washington to Iver and Bergie Drivstuen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Mackey, and her sister, Betty Maxim. Ilene was a graduate of Pacific Lutheran (College) University and she has been a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellingham since 1967. Ilene spent a majority of her life as a school teacher working in San Diego, California, Anchorage, Alaska, and retired from Irene Reither Primary School in the Meridian School District. We can’t ever remember Ilene without a smile on her face. She strongly believed in the power of prayer and her faith never waivered. She is survived by her sister, Polly Dobbs of Copan, Oklahoma; her daughter Kara Swanson and husband Russ of Everson, Washington; son Kristian Mackey and wife Karen of Lynn Haven, Florida; those that brought so much joy to mom, grandchildren Kyla Swanson of Cashmere, Washington; Lindy Swanson of Ellensburg, Washington; Jason Swanson of Birch Bay, Washington; Lauren Mackey of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Marc Mackey and his wife Melinda and great-grandson Samuel Mackey of Panama City, Florida. A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 10:00 am at the Little White Church on the Hill in Silvana (Stanwood), Washington followed by a Celebration of Life at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2530 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225 beginning at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.