Katie Louise Keil, age 26, of East Helena, Montana, passed away October 5, 2015 in Helena.
Katie was born April 23, 1989 in Helena, MT, to James Lewis and Cherie Louise (Rung) Keil at St. Peter’s Hospital. Katie attended Radley Elementary School (K-5), East Valley Middle School (6-8) in East Helena and Helena High School (9-12) in Helena. Katie was a member of the National Honor Society (Magna Cum Laude).
Katie’s work at Helena Veterinary Clinic and Petco nurtured her passion for caring for animals. She also worked for Creative Horizons, 3 R’s, and the Friendship Center Daycares where she dearly loved and was loved by all the kids. Most recently she worked with Helena Industries at Benchmark as a factory worker.
Katie enjoyed dancing, gymnastics, horseback riding, swimming, traveling, music, shopping, assembling puzzles, playing games, and spending time with family and friends. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Community Church. She was a vibrant young woman who left us all too soon and yet we know we will always have an angel amongst us.
Katie was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, John and Elaine Rung, her paternal grandparents, Sam and Mae Keil, along with her Uncles, Linden J. Bishop and Robin F. Rung. She is survived by her mother, and her father, step mother Kelly Downing-Keil, sister Kara Chandler (Dan), step sister and step brother, Brittany and Preston Pearson, her aunts, Diana M. Bishop and Debbie (Dan) Morgan, her uncle Raymond (Vera) Keil, cousins Amber, Ashley and Brandon Bishop, Cindy (Lee) Hibl, Mark (Kim) Morgan, Travis (Rajni) Keil, and Jared (Julie) Keil along with an extended family that she dearly loved.
A Vigil Service is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Friday, October 30, at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Avenue, Helena, Montana. A Funeral Mass is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, at Saint Mary Catholic Community with a reception to follow the Mass at the church. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery after the reception. Memorials in Katie’s name are suggested to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, 2112 E. Custer Avenue, Helena, MT 59601 and Helena Industries, 1325 Helena Avenue, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Katie.
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Friday October 30, 2015
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Saturday October 31, 2015
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following Mass
Saturday October 31, 2015
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Saturday October 31, 2015
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Friday October 30, 2015
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Saturday October 31, 2015
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following Mass
Saturday October 31, 2015
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Saturday October 31, 2015
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Share
Patty Wood says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during these sad days of Katie’s passing. I am fortunate to have met her and spent some time with her, what a sweet young lady with a beautiful smile. May she rest in eternally peace and may God comfort her family.
Tricia Welnel says
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. Such an angel! I am so glad I got the opportunity to meet her!
Nancy White says
Prayers with Katie’s family.
Lori Stapp says
My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. May God comfort you and your family at this time.
Peggy Jo Williams says
Heartfelt condolences to Katie’s loved ones. She was such a sweetie, always
a smile for everyone. Our prayers are with you all. God bless and keep you,
dear Cherie.
Jodi Marie Fisher says
I am without words. Katie was and IS by far my favorite cousin. She used to tell that to me too, but it is true for her. With a fight & a smile no one could match, I had the joy of getting to know Katie in moments of girl talk (which I cherish among the best of my life), camping, boating, shopping, and enjoying life together! If I could collect my words to share what I feel now, they would all say how much I love you Katie & I miss your sweet spirit & you are deeply loved by so many. Thank you for showing us in your life what it REALLY means to LIVE!!! Go with God dear Katie! Your memory & love is still very much alive and active now in our hearts! You are cherished and your sweetness lives on!
Kelly Downing-Keil says
Katie had such a tremendous sense of humor. She got the best qualities from her mom and dad. I have great memories making cookies with Katie and enjoying sharing the holidays together these past five years. Among many of her gifts ‘thoughtfulness’ was particularly great. She always remembered birthdays and took great time and care in choosing gifts. Our most recent ‘good’ day with Katie was on Father’s Day. a beautiful day and beautiful memories.?
Debbie Morgan says
Istill can not believe we have lost our Katie. NO words can express the hole in our lives. GOd gave her to us for a purpose. SHe has taught us to love, laugh, endure and hope. We are not guaranteed another day. Katie taught us to live each day as though it might be our last.
We love you Katie. AUnt Debbie
Bobbie Scott says
I had the privilege of working with Katie when she was a student at Radley. She was the sweetest girl and had the best sense of humor! I spent three years with her. The last day of 5th grade was so hard lots of tears. She was one of the greatest blessings in my life. My heart is broken. My deepest sympathy to her family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Cornish says
Katie, her mom and I met last summer for lunch and had a great time! My condolances to Katie’s loved ones! Heaven is a little sweeter!
Nancy Walker says
Although I have not seen Katie since she was about six or seven, I see this very pretty grown up lady now through this photo gallery and through the beautiful comments given here by friends and family. Dear Cherie, this shouldn’t be. I know how close a bond the two of you had and always will. I remember all those days over lunch in the Clancy staff room when you’d share moments about Katie. Hold fast to those dear memories and cling to the love and support of our Lord. I will be praying for Katie and you and your family.
Sandee Bader says
Cherie, Katie’s smile could light up a room. I will always remember that smile. I was also touched greatly when at the speech therapist asked her to say Hi to you, and even with a tracy tube, she said ” Hi Mom” in a very clear voice. She has taken her place among the angels, to look after her family from above. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Kathy Ericksen says
This evening I was so saddened to hear about my sweet student from Helena High! She not only touched my life, but she touched the lives of everyone around her! Katie was a friend to everyone, including my three children, and even my dog! Katie was a wonderful, loving young lady who will be missed by everyone who knew her. She wouldn’t be who she was without the love that she had from her family. My condolences and may all of the happy memories sustain you in the future!
Shirley Keil Thunem says
To Jim and Cherie and all of Katie’s family: Clair and I are so sorry for you loss. She is in God’s hands now. We never got to know Katie, but kept up with her thru her Aunt Debbie. She shares the same name, Katie, and the same birth year as our only granddaughter, so we know how much she was loved and will be missed. Keep the faith and remember the good times! Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Kerrie Reidelbach says
I knew Katie through my work at Helena Industries and she worked so hard and cared so much about her work and doing the best job she could do. She was always positive and showed a great sense of humor and smile which was always appreciated!
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Diane Canon says
Cherie and Jim, I am so sad for your loss. Katie was and is such a beautiful child, with so much energy, honesty, and excitement toward life. I know, in her new home, she is continuing the adventure of getting the most out of her new experiences. May the wonderful memories you have of your time with her sustain you.
Brooke Murphy says
I only knew Katie for the last 3 months of her life. I had the honor of being called in to assist this wonderful young woman in healing and comfort, as she made her transltion. She accepted me as “part of the family” in very short order. I always looked forward to seeing her and getting that smile. She is spiritually strong and proved to be physically amazing! She proved incorrect any and all who dared to say that she would or could not. She graced us with her presence and with her gift of spiritual teaching to all of those who would accept that gift. Be blessed my young friend…you are flying with Michael now!
Kristi & Matthew Jaster says
Mrs. Keil, Matthew and I are so so sorry for your loss, we will be keeping your entire family in our prayers. God’s blessings on your hearts for healing and comfort.
Jo Ann Copeland says
Cherie and family,
I was blessed to work with Katie at Radley School in her early years. She was lovely, and her laugh was contagious. I loved that little girl, and what a beautiful young woman she turned out to be…
I’m so very sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with all of you.
I am thankful that she is with the Lord and that, one day, you will be together again.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
– Numbers 6:24-26
Sincerest regards,
Mrs. Jo Ann Copeland
Emilyfrancois says
There are no words that can help bear the loss of this special young lady.she was a very dear special friend of my fiancé Skyler Strachan. She was a very great friend to a lot of people.my thoughts and prayers go out to this special young lady’s friends and parents.she will be remembered in a lot of our hearts
Emilyfrancois says
My fiancé’ was best friend to this sweet young lady.she brought a smile to his life.she has touched his heart and so many other hearts I am so great full to her for her presence in his life.she has changed his life in so many ways . God bless this family my prayers and thoughts go out to this special young lady’s family and friends
Audrey Dufrechou says
Katie had such a full heart and so much integrity. I am lucky to have known her at Radley and East Valley Middle School. I am very sorry for your loss. Your daughter touched many lives and she will be dearly missed.
John and Diana Tavary says
Cherie,
We were so sorry to hear of Katie’s passing. I think the last time I had an opportunity to see you two was at the Doctor’s office. I remember her having a huge smile on her face all the time. I am sure you will miss her greatly. I know this is a difficult time for you. Blessings
John and Di
Dawn Reisinger says
We at Helena Veterinary Service remember her big smile and her cheerful attitude. She was a lovely young lady. We are so sorry for your loss.
Inez Slayman says
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to you Jim and Cherie and the Keil family. May you be comforted at this difficult loss and may He keep you during this time. My thoughts are with you.
Mary McGonigal Duede says
Cherie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
at this time. It’s been such a long time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary McG.
Sandra Marston says
Katie was a gift and blessing to all that were blessed to know her. Words can’t express our compassion to her family. Please let us know if we may be of service to you in any way. We are all sorry for your loss.
Janet Weber says
Katie was such an amazing person. She had such an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor. I will miss Katie at our annual family reunions where she was a joy to be around.
I take heart in imagining her running through a beautiful field of flowers in heaven. Something she wasn’t able to do here on earth.
Diane Gray says
Cherie and Jim,
I am so sorry for your loss. May you hold on to your memories of your beautiful daughter to help keep you strong.
Bob and Cheri' says
Remembering you in the early days of family get togethers at Loon Lake and Montana for Christmas at the Rungs and your Aunt Diana’s wedding celebration with Lin and family. Keeping up to date with you on social media, we realized the beautiful woman you became. Serving and working in areas you loved, a true blessing. God knows His plan for each of us and His time is never ours, so we have loved you and set you free for His divine purpose and have the promise of once again all being together. We can only imagine the glory and joy you are living in our mighty God’s presence and we will all see you again one day. As we miss you, we also await His glorious presence. Love you, Cherie, Jim, Diane. Bob and Cheri’