Phyllis U. Mackie, age 91, passed away Christmas morning, December 25, 2020, at Regency on Whidbey Memorial Care Facility in Oak Harbor, Washington.
Phyllis was born May 21, 1929, in Gladstone, the daughter of David and Emma (Gregory) Jackovich. Phyllis was raised in Gladstone and attended the Gladstone schools. Following her school years, Phyllis was united in marriage to Robert F. Mackie and together the couple lived in Illinois, California and Nevada before retiring to Delta County in 1991. Bob preceded Phyllis in death on January 15, 1997.
Phyllis was a member of First Lutheran Church in Gladstone.
Remembrance by Bobby (son):
Bob and Phyllis always have an open heart and open house to family and friends. Christmas is a glorious celebration that often saw Phyllis creating an unforgettable Christmas dinner with dozens of brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, and lifelong friends sitting side by side. It was filled with laughter, winks and giggles. All of us sitting around their very large dinner table were filled with happiness.
My parents had the magical touch that brought together our extended family from all around. They renewed the bonds that bind us all. Mom would decorate their home inside and out with Christmas joy.
Phyllis departed us December 25, Christmas day, her most favorite day of the year. I feel it’s like she got the best Christmas gift of all, getting to join with Bob, the love of her life, in heaven. She will be so deeply missed.
Survivors include:
Son: Robert (Christine) Mackie of Oak Harbor, WA
Granddaughter: Meghan Mackie
In addition to her parents, David and Emma, and her loving husband, Robert, Phyllis was preceded in death by:
Brother: Harry Jackovich
Sisters: Agie Groleau, Dorthea Johnson and Rosemarie Anderson
Phyllis will be laid to rest next to her husband Robert in the Fernwood Cemetery in the spring. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.
Mary Martinson - Gladstone, Mi
I met your Mother at Bay Sages, Escanaba. We had so much fun together. I was one of her Dominoe
ladies who met once a month at the college. She was a very good player and we had to really concentrate
to win that month. We especially enjoyed our meals together, after dominoes, and missed her very much
when she moved out West.
We thought of her almost every time that we got together and wished that we could have kept in touch
with her. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Terry Buckley - Gladstone, MI
My Dearest “Fairy Godmother” Phyllis. Whenever I think of you & Bob beautiful memories of my amazing childhood appear. My Parents blessed me with the two of you as Godparents. But as i told you so many times before you were so much more than that! You always wanted a daughter, but that wasn’t to be as she died in infancy. You were later blessed with your only Son.
The Holidays were always so extra special as you always delivered choclate rabbits, stuffed animals and your visits were so appreciated!
I know that your handsome Bobby has that beautiful glow in his eyes as you are now together again! Please hug & kiss my Mom Monica for me and tell her life isn’t the same without her. Remind her of my love! I love you all!
Patti Stropich - Gladstone , MI
I met her years ago at the YMCA at an aerobics class. There were about seven of us who attended regularly & she was one of them. Phyllis was our motivator, as she was 25-30 years older than us and could keep up, or out do us in class. She was like the energizer bunny.
Through conversations we discovered we had a connection from the past. I grew up in Kipling & your parents owned the Kipling store at one time. She knew all my family, and as a child I frequented the store quite often.
Your mom was a very special lady. I’m blessed to have known her.
Thoughts & prayers to you!
Marilyn Albrecht - Gladstone, M
Phyllis and I met during different exercise classes.She had so much energy and always a smile on her face.I feel so blessed to know this beautiful lady.
Robert Mackie - Oak Harbor, Wa
Thank you to everyone for sharing a moment with Phyllis.
Mom was quite athletic and always one to play a good game of hearts, dominoes and crazy eights. She was a part of the Gray Sages of Bay de Noc, regularly swam at the indoor pool, went to local college lectures and ready for a new adventure. I remember her going for countless scenic drives all around the U.P. with her three best friends.
Also she was a very good at golf. Mom would get best score four times out of five when she and I played nine holes. Good memories. Good company.
Rob (Bobby) Mackie
Cindy Johnson - Mishicot, WI
Aunt Phyllis was a colorful character and a live wire! She lit up the room with her smile and witt! She was so beautiful inside and out and to me she just never aged.When I was sick she would come to visit with my mom. When I had a house fire she came to my rescue with help and hugs and a beautiful guitar from her son. I can still her voice saying awe kiddo it’s gonna be alright.If she wasn’t decorating or working out, she was caring for others. She went to Vegas with my mom and I and we had a blast! She had no time to be bored, living life to its fullest. We all could take a lesson from this beautiful lady! Rest in peace beautiful soul.
Family of Josephine Larson - Grand Haven, Mi
We have such fond memories of your Mom.
She was such a fun, sweet and caring person.
She will certainly be missed! Sending love and prayers.
Gloria, JoAnn and Anita
(The family of Josephine Larson)
Hal & Ann Creten - Las Vegas, NV
Aunt Phyllis & Uncle Bob moved to Las Vegas in the 80’s and bought our house, they did amazing things to it. Bob was very handy and completely remodeled the kitchen, also had a swimming pool put in. We only moved a few blocks away so we spent many happy times together. When other members of the family would come out from Michigan we would all get together at our house or theirs and had so much fun in the pools and jacuzzi. At Christmas Phyllis decorated everything inside and out, it was so beautiful, she really had that special touch when it came to decorating.
She was loved by everyone that met her and will be missed by all, rest in peace Phyllis with your Bob beside you.
Joy Palmer - Wellingborough, UK
We met “Aunt” Phyllis and “Unce” Bob when visiting Las Vegas . Our brother-in- law Hal Creten (Bob was his uncle) and my sister Ann spent many happy times together . They were such fun to be with and one year, ( June 1987 ) they helped us plan a surprise birthday visit to Ann and Hal. As you can imagine Phyllis loved the subterfuge .
Phyllis made the most amazing decorations and their home was filled with beautiful things , she just had that knack of making a house a home.
I wonder if anyone remembers her sense of direction ?? One day she decided to take us on a tour of Las Vegas , no Sat Nav in those days so we got hopelessly lost in not the most celubrious areas . As you can imagine Phyllis thought it was hilarious so we laughed too , not having a clue where we were.
She was truly a lovely lady and we count it as one of life’s blessing that we knew her and “Uncle” Bob.
Joy and Robert Palmer
Stanwick
England
Dear Phyllis rest in peace with your beloved Bob
Bruce and Bonnie Bishop - Henderson, NV
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I moved to Las Vegas in 1977. Bob and Phyllis became our neighbors. They were the best. I spent alot of time talking, laughing, getting advice. I was Bobs cookie lady at Christmas. I would bake dozens and they enjoyed actually he looked forward to Christmas for them. They left for Washington a month acter we moved. We visited them twice in Michigan. I lost contact after Bob passed. I only wish I had tried harder. They will always be remembered with much love. Now the 2 are together again. Again my deepest sympathy for your loss.