Donna Ilene (Brennan) Keele

Donna Ilene (Brennan) Keele, of Laurel Montana, went to be with Jesus on December 17, 2023. The recurring message of her life was that God is a loving and gracious Father, faithful to comfort, strengthen, and guide us. We witnessed her devotion to Him throughout life’s ups and downs, and heard her speak of His many blessings both when times were sunny and when they seemed bleak. We know she rejoices to finally see Him face to face.

Donna was born in Igloo, South Dakota on May 17, 1946, to Francis and Pearl (Sexton) Brennan.  She spent her childhood years tormenting her four older brothers, and enjoyed visiting cousins and family in Nebraska. Her family moved about, going with Francis to where the jobs were, so Donna was educated in various schools in Wyoming and Montana, graduating from Laurel High School in 1963.

In 1961, at a Sunday night gathering at the Assembly of God Church in Laurel (now Family Church), Donna met a sweet, charming boy named Don Keele. The two were married in that church on May 28, 1965, and spent the next 58 ½ years loving each other, raising four children, sharing outdoor activities and adventures, serving in the church, enjoying grandchildren and then great-grandchildren, creating laughter, and faithfully praying for every loved one, and every need that came to their attention.  For vocation, Donna worked in nursing homes in Red Lodge, Helena, and Laurel, first in dining services and then as a CNA. She formed treasured friendships with co-workers, and compassionate bonds with residents and their families, and truly loved caring for others until her own health impeded her ability to do so.

Donna was preceded in death by an infant sister, Patricia Brennan, her parents, Francis and Pearl Brennan, a brother Thomas (Peggy) Brennan, sister-in-law Lois (Dean) Brennan, son-in-law Rob Taylor, and nephews Shaun Brennan and George Brennan. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Donald Keele, sons Michael (Jennifer) Keele of Laurel, Danny Keele of Billings, Shannon (Kathleen) Keele of Laurel, daughter Patsy Taylor of Laurel; brothers Dean Brennan of Casper,Wyoming, Bill (Nancy) Brennan of Laurel, Jim (Midge) Brennan of Hayden, Idaho; fifteen grandchildren,  ten great-grand children, and a number of cherished nieces and nephews. 

On Friday, December 22, 2023, at 10:00 am, a Celebration of Life service will be held at Family Church, located at 1002 Third Avenue in Laurel.