RaNay Shawn Keller, age 65, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2021 with her children by her side in Helena, Montana.
RaNay marched to the beat of her own drum from the moment she was born on June 13, 1956 to Mike and Neva Keller in Pierre, South Dakota. She grew up near Eagle Butte, South Dakota at a sheep farm on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. Being the spitfire she always was, when she was younger and her brother Danny Mike teased her at the dinner table, she forked him on the hand.
After graduating from college at South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Guidance Counseling and Personal Services, RaNay went on to obtain her Master’s within the following year. She proceeded in life by helping others professionally, in many different aspects of the social services spectrum, until multiple sclerosis forced an early retirement.
Always loving to laugh and enjoy life to the fullest, RaNay surrounded herself with friends and loved ones that supported her as much as she supported them. A wonderful example of perseverance and drive, she rarely came across an obstacle that she could not find a solution to. Most of all, she worked diligently to help anyone who needed it and to ensure those around her knew they were loved and appreciated.
Those who were close to her spent many hours enjoying music, taking mountain drives, playing cribbage, and visiting over a cup of coffee. Her tenacity proved to show that the only thing she loved more than her children were her grandchildren.
RaNay is survived by her children Blaine Stankey, Mikki Goodhart (Clayton), and Mariah Stankey with beloved grandchildren across many families. She is also survived by her siblings Dan Keller (Lorrain) and Judy Gray (Dan).
A celebration of life will take place on January 14, 2022 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley church located in Helena, Montana. To honor RaNay’s wishes, ashes will also be spread in South Dakota at the Cheyenne River. Memorial donations may be made to NAMI Montana.
Service Schedule
Mass of the Angels
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 14, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Mass of the Angels
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 14, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
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Marian Bringman Tyrrell says
So sorry to hear of the death of your mom and grandma. I enjoyed all the times we played together as children and spent time together at family functions. She was a wonderful cousin to grow up with.
Vonda Lee sporer foster says
So sad. I recall my mother ND neva Keller always visiting one another. When she came to eagle Butte and mom (would drive to neva’s place…
Deb Miller says
Very truly sorry for your loss.. I am RaNays first cousin on her mom’s side. I stayed with her so much when we were kids. Learned how to play cribbage from her very patient Dad when I was 9 and RaNay was 7 yrs old! We fished on a raft made by her Dad with old wood and old oil barrels and bamboo poles! We loved it but her Mom Aunt Neva however did not! And Uncle Mikey never heard the end of it! But we still went whenever he was home. We dressed up cats and made homes for them among the the hay! Went sledding on an old car hood which her Dad pulled behind the tractor. Another one her mom might haven’t smiled about. But we had such fun. We sat on top of this old scout ranger he had and drove around for hours hanging on to the rod iron that he had made which went around the box of the scout. But as it goes as we aged and moved we lost track of one another. But we loved each other and those times were never forgotten and very much cherished.
John bringman says
Been to many years. I will try to attend in mt. Weather permiting
Kellie says
What a beautiful tribute. I must say, knowing her daughters, that fire will live on. She was a very loved woman and raised some absolutely amazing humans. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Karen says
Your Mom was always so happy when I saw her no matter what she was going through. She always made you feel loved and that is a very special thing. She loved her kids and grandbabies. She had a sparkle in her eye and I was never quite sure what she was thinking and what her next adventure would be! She is missed. Prayers of comfort and love to you all.