Lonette Marie Keehner (Sangsland)

Lonette Marie (Sangsland) Keehner, 56, of Missoula, was tragically taken away from us on Monday, Dec. 21, 2015. She was a bright light to many and will be dearly missed by those whose lives she touched.

Lonette was born as part of the first set of triplets to the Blackfeet Nation and Indian Country. She was born in Olympia, Washington, on April 10, 1959, to Grayson and Irene Old Chief. Along with her triplet sister, Lonelle, she was adopted and taken by Ralph and Betty Sangsland. She was fond of her childhood growing up in Blackfoot, a small community east of Browning.

It was here her family ran the combination train depot and post office. With the mountains of Glacier Park rising in the background, Lonette recalled many beloved memories of her childhood. Lonette's spirit all throughout her life was one of a fighter. As a child, she fought and survived polio. She would play football with the boys and roughhouse with her sisters, making her a true tomboy and earning her the nickname "Rocky."

After leaving Blackfoot, she left for Glendive and pursued her minor degree in criminal justice which she received from Dawson College in 1983. In 1984, she moved to Billings and met the love of her life, Dave Keehner. They were joined in marriage on March 21, 1988. They had a relationship filled with adoration. Our mother had a love and connection to Ireland, and our father was able to provide her with a tour of her favorite country in October 2014. We are so grateful they were able to experience this beautiful country together.

Besides being strong-willed, Lonette had a zest for life, a wicked sense of humor, a wonderful laugh, and a kind and loving heart. Her love of animals include the horses she raised and cared for in her childhood and carried over to the kitty cat she owned as an adult. After 18 years, her cat Cinder passed away last year and we hope is now keeping Lonette company in heaven.

Other things she enjoyed were old, classic movies, going to thrift stores and gossip magazines. Summers were enjoyed spending time with her husband and family, barbecuing and listening to music, especially Neil Diamond and the Moody Blues. Lonette was a hard worker and held the same job for the past 21 years as a housekeeper at the Super 8 Motel. Rain or shine, she was always reliable and willing to work whenever she was needed.

Lonette's favorite holiday was Christmas. She was always excited to spend it with family, but this year she will spend it with the angels. We appreciate the past Christmas' we were able to spend with her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Sangsland, Betty Sangsland and Grayson Old Chief; her brother Hyram "Jay" Old Chief; nephew Christopher Lytle; and grandma Annie Wall.

She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Dave Keehner; her children, Nashasta Sangsland, Nicole (Brandon) Walksalong, David Keehner Jr.; birth mother Irene Old Chief; brothers, Gail and Bill Old Chief; sisters, Patricia Harmon, Rosemary Cree Medicine and Darlene Wall; grandchildren, Jayden, Christiana, Hugh, Maleena and Tyleena; sisters, Lonelle Lytle and her husband Ernie, Anna Johnson and her husband Mike and Bonnie Boggs and her husband Jeff.

Services to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, Dec. 28, at 2 p.m. at Garden City Funeral Home with a reception to follow.

Condolences for the family may be left at missoulafuneralhomes.com


Read Lonette Keehner's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.