Antoinette White Mackelprang, 87, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on October 20, 2022 in Fredonia, Arizona.
Antoinette was born in Kanab, Utah on November 26, 1934 to Weaver Wickluff White and Naomi Lucy Griffiths. She was one of ten children and being the oldest daughter was given much responsibility in helping raise her siblings. As a young child she lived near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and Williams area and her father worked down the canyon. She and her siblings would run down the South Kaibab Trail into Phantom Ranch and take her father supplies. She was truly gifted and had so many talents including sewing, quilting, cooking, master canner, silver smithing, porcelain doll making, herbalist, natural remedies, forager, genealogy, upholstery, etc. She was a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister and friend. She married the love of her life Don J. Mackelprang in 1951 in Fredonia, Arizona. Antoinette was highly intelligent and earned her GED later in life when her children were still teenagers. She took several college courses over the years to better herself. She was constantly reading and learning and taught her children and grandchildren to love books as well. The most important accomplishment in her life was her family. She and her husband participated in many community functions including City Council, Ambulance, Search and Rescue, School Board and librarian. Don and Antoinette managed the old House Rock Store for H.I. Bowman and Sons then managed the Jacob Lake Lodge in the winter time. They worked extremely hard throughout their lives buying a ranch in House Rock Valley, named the Bean Hole. They instilled in their children and grandchildren the value of hard work and working together for a common goal.
Antoinette is survived by her children Steven Don Mackelprang (Denise) of Fredonia, Brent Mackelprang of Lonesome Dove, Cindy Mackelprang (Randy) of Beaver, Thea Havins (Teddy) of White Sage; siblings Carol Judd and Lucy Judd both of Fredonia; 25 Grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, and 22 great great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and 2 grand dogs. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, her son Jay W. Mackelprang, grandson Chad Mackelprang, parents Weaver and Naomi, and brothers Reese, Stanley, Raymond, Marion, Leroy, Bobby and Jonny. Our family will be forever grateful to Sarah Barlow for providing care for our mother for the past 8 years.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. (Arizona time) at the Fredonia LDS Chapel. Viewings will be held on Friday evening from 6-7 p.m. (Arizona time) at the Mosdell Mortuary in Kanab, Utah and Saturday one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Fredonia Cemetery under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary.
A zoom meeting can be accessed the day of the service at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/99052945860 .
she was a teacher aide too! Mrs Mack
Grandma Mack was such a sweet lady! She could be feisty too though! I loved going to the Bean Hole to help out. Whether that was driving her, helping with meals and branding. She had me help make a meal one night and I remember her telling us stories about the ranch and would stop to tell us if we weren’t doing something right while helping her fix the meal! Grandma Mack was amazing, I loved seeing her and getting to know her! My daughter sure likes her too:) g-ma Mack suggested letting her play in the water troft one year while we were out at the Bean Hole and we let her! She sure will be missed and the Bean Hole wont be the same without her.
Grandma Mack, such an amazing historian. Her knowledge of the old timers and their stories where so interesting. She loved the past, remembering the good times, hardships and the strengths it built. Her talents are more than can be mentioned, she loved and cared about others her whole life.
Eternity grateful to have in in my life since November 1974 xxx
Aunt Net was the best example of a pioneer woman that I’ve ever met! Her talents, generosity, and love for her family exuded from her! She’s a special and stellar example of a good person to the core! Loved her dearly and loved being around her. You never went hungry when you were around Aunt Net. She’ll be missed, but I’m happy she now gets to join Uncle Don, Mom (Joyce Loshbough), other loved ones that have gone before her, and our Heavenly Father. With love and respect, Jana Mackelprang
Aunt Net Is one of the most incredible beings I’ve ever met! She is strong, honest, funny, and taught me so much about herbs, natural medicine, canning and about being selfless. My Great Aunt, was a collector and everything she collected she had an idea of what it would be used for or who could benefit from it. She is so thoughtful and someone I will always look up to and be grateful to know. I love you Aunt Net!