D. Kay Keppner

November 27, 1947 - September 23, 2020

In Memory of Donna Kay Hoenstine Keppner Donna Kay Hoenstine Keppner 73, passed away peacefully at the family ranch, Lima, Montana on September 23, 2020. Affectionately called Kay, Donna was born to Harry (Bus) and Emma (Betty) Hoenstine on November 27, 1947. Kay grew up on the family ranch near Lima, where she attended school. Kay married George Duck in 1971 and had one son, Thomas Arthur Duck in 1976. Kay and George were later divorced, Kay then married Leo Keppner on November 10, 1982. Leo and Kay made their home on the Hoenstine ranch. Never content to be idle, Kay had many jobs. She worked in the Centennial Valley for Bill and Eileen Jones, was an election officer for several years, cooked at Jan's Cafe in Lima, helped to take care of the family ranch, was an employee at Barrett Hospital for a period of time, sprayed weeds for Beaverhead County, and cooked for the Cross Ranch at Horse Prairie. Her job of preference, however, was being at home taking care of her family. Kay loved cooking and caring for others. She helped her son, Tom, raise both of her grandsons, Gavin and Reese. The boys (Tom, Gavin and Reese) were the apples of her eye! Never missing a chance to tell you about them, she was a proud mother and grandmother. Kay was a talented seamstress and superb quilter. Babies new to the family always received one of Aunt Kay's specially made baby quilts. In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother, Kay was devoted to her sister's, children. All of Carmen's children knew that Aunt Kay was always there when they needed her. Kay was an active member of the Lima-Dell community. She participated in community events such as the cancer walk and helped put on the Health Fair at the Lima School. She was a member of the Dell Bells and truly enjoyed her many friends in the community. Kay joins her parents, Bus and Betty; her husband, Leo, her stepchildren Judy and Steve; her sister, Carmen (Warren), and brother Harry. Uncle Bud, Aunt Dorothy (Charlie) Cope, and Cousins Earnest Hoadley and son Shawn, Connie Evans & Gene Cope in Heaven. She is survived by her son, Tom; her grandchildren, Gavin and Reese. Dlynda Richman and her grandchildren, Cassie Keppner, Samantha Keppner and Ryan Keppner. Jack Whitworth and her grandchildren, Evan, Tate, and Emily. George & Carmen Duck, stepdaughter Heather (Dale) Kieter and her grandchildren Ryan & Sierra. Her nephews and nieces, Brian & Shawn Morris Stephanie (Chuck) Kernes, Russell Lockyer, Brenda (Clint) Roy, Sherrie (Jason) Eldridge, Shellie (Ron) Doering, Cindy Holland, Patti (Gary) Baisch, Todd (Carol) Allen and Shawn (Pam) Allen and numerous great & great great nieces and nephews. Also her Uncle Lew (Damaris) Hoadley & family. Norm (Seeley) Hoadley & family. Mary Hoadley and sons Shane & Kelly. A viewing will be held on Friday, October 2, from 5:00-8:00 pm. at Brundage Funeral Home in Dillon, Montana. Graveside service will be Saturday, October 3, at 10:00am. in the Lima Cemetery. There will be a gathering for family and friends at the Lima Park immediately following graveside service.