Deana May Keahna

In Loving Memory of Deana Keahna

Member of the Meskwaki Nation – Fox Clan

December 23, 1958 – October 27, 2025

Deana Keahna, a proud member of the Meskwaki Nation, walked on to the Spirit World on October 27, 2025, at the age of 66.

Born on December 23, 1958, in Marysville, Washington, Deana was the beloved daughter of the late Wilber Keahna and the late Velma Johnny, a member of the Fox Clan. She later moved to Ottumwa, Iowa, where she was adopted into the Gates family. Deana was once married to Jerry Merrill of Ottumwa, Iowa, with whom she shared a chapter of her life.

Deana was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend. She was a stay-at-home mom for several years before entering the workforce, holding various jobs including security guard and restaurant work. In her later years, she found peace and joy in Native beadwork and making dreamcatchers, expressing her creativity and honoring her culture through her art.

She enjoyed rock music, football, crafting, and spending time with her family and friends. Deana carried the teachings of the Meskwaki people - to live in balance, to care for one another, and to walk gently upon the earth. Those who knew her will remember her kindness, humor, strength, and wisdom.

Deana is survived by her children: Deanna Cook (Ken Cook) of Oskaloosa, Jerred Merrill of Ottumwa, and Aaron Merrill (Angelica Merrill) of Urbandale; her grandchildren, Janelle, Austen, Aaliyah, Moses, and Izak; and her great-grandchild Lincoln.

She is also survived by her siblings Lavinia Contraro, Lorrie Bartlett, Ruth Bergmann, and Reece Meloche; her brother Adrian Pushetonequa of Tama; her niece Jennifer Keahna of Tama; and nephews Wilbur Keahna and Gregory Keahna Jr., both of Tama.

Deana was welcomed to the next world by her brothers Gregory Keahna Sr. and Tom Davenport, who have gone before her and now greet her in the Spirit World.

Traditional Graveside Services will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Meskwaki Cemetery, on the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama, with Mike Keahna as speaker. Starting at 12:00 PM, Thursday, at the Fox Clan Ceremonial Building, family and friends are invited to come together in remembrance - to share stories, send prayers, and honor Deana's journey to the Spirit World. Offerings of tobacco, cedar, or song in her memory are welcome, in keeping with the Meskwaki way - to show love, gratitude, and guidance for the spirit as it travels on.

May Deana's journey be peaceful, carried by the wind and watched over by the ancestors, until we meet again.