Diane Stoakes Mackey

Diane Stoakes Mackey was born in Luverne, Minnesota on March 28, 1937, daughter of Homer and Astrid Stoakes. She grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and moved to Little Rock in 1965. Diane died the afternoon of Sunday, December 15, 2013 of complications following cancer surgery. Diane graduated from Northwestern University in 1958. She attended UALR Law School, and graduated first in her class in 1978. Diane served as a law clerk to U.S. District Judge G. Thomas Eisele and as Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. She joined Friday, Eldredge & Clark in 1983, rose to become partner, and retired from the firm in 2006. Diane was passionate about teaching, starting as an English teacher in Ohio, serving as an Adjunct Professor at UALR Law School (1996-2004), and culminating as Assistant Dean at the UAMS College of Public Health. Diane was active in the community including Museum of Science and History, Junior League, Rotary, and many others. Diane championed health issues, primarily via Arkansas Children's Hospital where she started volunteering in the Auxiliary in 1969 and served on the ACH Board from 1980 until the time of her death, including Chair of the Board from 1991-1994. She was also very active in Good Shepherd Ecumenical Retirement Center, Arkansas Hospice, the United Way, Life Quest, Seeds Garden Club, Arkansas Orchestra Society, the Aesthetic Club, and Fine Arts Club at the Arkansas Arts Center. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral where she taught Sunday school, was elected to the Vestry, served as Senior Warden, assisted with the music program, and engaged in various roles for the Diocese over the years. Diane leaves behind a family that loved and cherished her deeply. She is survived by her son Ben Mackey, his wife Beth, and children James and Katherine; son, Stuart Mackey, his wife Suzanne, and children Emily Claire and Stuart Jr.; daughter Sarah Mackey; her sister, Sharon Stoakes Tatham; sister-in-law, Mary Frances Phillips; many nieces and nephews; and friends across Arkansas and around the country. Visitation will be held Friday evening, December 20, at Reubel from 5 to 7 p.m.. A memorial service will be held Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity. In lieu of flowers, Diane asks that donations be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital, Arkansas Hospice, and United Way. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.