One of the Flint Hills’ best-known artists has died.
Judith Mackey was 75 when she passed away Wednesday.
Born in 1943 in Hutchinson, she married Kenneth Mackey in Liberal in 1961. Later that decade, she moved to Chase County and her art career developed. Mackey’s art now hangs in numerous museums and permanent collections, including the Kansas Governor’s Mansion and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Her art was the original cover for William Least Heat-Moon’s “PrairyErth.” She was also the first woman in the American Royal Western Art Association, and her art was part of the Save America’s Treasures exhibit at the White House.
Mackey is survived by her husband, a son, two daughters, six grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, five brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services will be 2 pm Tuesday at the Flint Hills Community Church in Cottonwood Falls. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery in Cottonwood Falls. Memorial contributions may be made to the Judith Mackey Memorial Fund in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home.
