Isabelle Ann Keepness

Isabelle Ann Keepness (nee Stonechild) of Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully in All Nations Healing Hospital, Fort Qu'Appelle on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at the age of 92 years, with her family by her side.

Isabelle was born on Muscowpetung First Nation, part of Treaty Four Territory, on August 23, 1932.

Isabelle was predeceased by her beloved husband James Keepness, whom she shared 10 children with: late Delbert (Dianne), late Gerald (Mavis), Marlene (Bob), Esther (Monty), Denise, Ray, Bonita (Ken), Darwin (late Sherry), late Aaron (Diane) and late James (late Heather). She was also predeceased by her parents Flora Stonechild (Sanderson) and William Stonechild; all of her siblings; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she missed dearly.

Isabelle also raised many of her grandchildren: Keith, Janelle, late Mikey, late Amy and Maloree. She and James had 40 grandchildren, 85 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grand babies and had a 6th generation lineage prior to her passing. Isabelle had special nieces she held dear to her heart: Marilyn and Joyce Keepness and Donna Toto.

Isabelle was a Residential School Survivor, attending the File Hills Industrial School. She married James Keepness in January, 1952 on Muscowpetung First Nation. Isabelle was employed for 17 years at Qu’Appelle Indian Hospital. She spent over 60 years in the health field, also delivering many children, including some of her own grandchildren.

Isabelle had lived a wonderful life devoted to God. She had a huge heart and always provided each one of us with love, gifts and words of wisdom and encouragement. She was proud of all of her children and grandchildren. Isabelle loved cardinal birds, flowers of many kinds, gardening, garage saling and spending time with her family.

Isabelle’s service was held in Muscowpetung Educational Center on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends welcomed her arrival at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service was officiated by Rev. Edmund Jordan. The pallbearers were: Shane Keepness, Dawson Keepness, Derrick Nahnepowisk, Koby Keepness, Matthew Lavallee and Leon Sparvier. The honorary pallbearers were: Liam Crowe, Ethan Crowe, Tegan Nahnepowisk, Rylan Nahnepowisk, Aiden Keepness, Troy Stevenson, Jerry Keepness, Tyrell McKay, Dalton Peigan and Ryan Keepness. Her interment took place after the service in the Keepness Family Cemetery on Muscowpetung First Nation.

The family would like to express a heart-warming thank you to: Dr Cozman, all of the nurses and staff at All Nations Healing Hospital, Muscowpetung First Nation, Muscowpetung Health Center and Pasqua First Nation. They would also like to express gratitude to everyone that attended her bedside to offer prayers and those who have reached out to express their condolences.