Janis Sue Kana-Mackey

Funeral services were held May 27, 2026, at the Presbyterian Church in Langdon, N.D., for Janis Sue Kana- Mackey, 71, of rural Hampden, N.D., who passed away May 20, 2026. There will be a private burial at Storlie Cemetery near Hampden, N.D. Memorials are preferred.

Sue was born December 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 pastor-scholar at Drew University.

On February 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); 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 in-laws, niece Marit, and husband Ronald.

Sue will be remembered for her deep faith, her steady presence, and her devotion to family and community. Blessed be her memory.

Arrangements by Aaker Funeral Home, Lakota, ND.