Lee’Al Kooken, age 38, of Wolf Point, MT

Lee’Al Patricia Kooken Moran, “Wowiye pahta wiya” (Ties the Cloth Woman), age 38 passed away on February 28, 2023, at Trinity Hospital surrounded by her family and friends. Lee’Al was born on August 08, 1984, in Helena, Mt. On August 10, 1986, Tony and Jackie Moran had the privilege and blessing of bringing their daughter Lee’Al home where she joined her little brother Ryan and was later joined by her little brother Jordan. In 1989 Lee’Al went to Southside school where she continued her education until she graduated in May 2004. One of Lee ’Al’s greatest joys of life was attending school, where she reunited with Taunya Wasser, who was one of her caregivers and close family. In school she joined her classmates and friends, Mindy Schafer, Marissa Beauchamp, James Vandall, James Welch, Nicholas Hankins, Sam Reum Jr, Zach D., Austin Hoch. Lee’Al also loved her wonderful teachers; Mrs. Peterson, Ms. Lee, Ms. Wall, Mrs. Sievers, teacher’s aide Penny Olson, secretary Jennifer Zimmerman, P.E with Mrs. Paine and music with Mr. Larson.

Lee’Al got tremendous support from High Line Homes program in Glasgow from Teri Sissaton and Dallas Scott. Lee’Al also received amazing care from Home Care Services in Glasgow.

Lee’Al absolutely loved a wide variety of movies, including Pretty Woman, La Bamba, Free Willy, Home Alone 1 & 2, Ninja Turtles 1, 2 & 3, Dennis the Menace, Beauty in the Beast, and the list goes on and on and on. Another huge love of Lee’Als was music, dancing, singing and marching bands. Singing and music were always a big help calming and soothing her on all the numerous medical appointments and procedures. Some of her favorite music included her favorite movie soundtracks, Michael Jackson, Wheels on the bus, Wild thing, Boom Bastic, Barney songs, Wiggles songs, Richie Valen from La Bamba. Lee’Al loved Barney, The Wiggles, listening to music and watching videos on her computer, Disney movies and Bob the Builder.

Anyone who knew Lee’Al knows that her all-time favorites things were lining up all her ensure cans, cups, drawing with her uncle Buckles, and making a mess with tissue and paper. Lee’Al was always demanding someone get that broom, dustpan or vacuum. Lee’Al loved doing Dot to Dots, cutting out her musical instruments. Lee’Al had the most amazing scissor skills. No matter what the shape or size it was always cut perfect.

Lee’Al loved her outings which included multiple trips to Williston, Wolf Point and Scobey to the parades to watch the marching band. Lee’Al also loved going to visit Grandma Bell (Taunya Wasser’s mother) in Scobey where they would play the piano, violin and organ.

Lee’Al loved going to her Grandma Mary’s house for Christmas and tearing up all the presents she knew would be there. It didn’t matter what holiday it was, or even if what was wrapped was new. Lee’Al loved taking her time ripping each presents wrapping paper off piece by piece, even know it would take her hours.

Lee’Al has brought tremendous joy to all our lives and to everyone she met. Even if you were having the worst day, one smile, a laugh and a big bear hug from Lee’Al was all you needed to forget your troubles. Her smile lighted up the room wherever she went. Her voices would echo throughout the house, filling our home with warmth and love. Lee’Al will be greatly missed, she taught us all to enjoy the little things in life, which we will forever keep close to our hearts. Lee’Al always marched to her own tune. She always had all her mom, dad, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, grandmas and all who knew her wrapped around her little finger.

Lee’Al is survived by; her mother Jackie, brothers; Ryan, Jordan (Sam), Tom (Sarah), Cody (Jess), Rudy, Sister Maria, Grandma Agnes, Grandma Vivian Herschel (Fort Belknap), Aunts; Dina, Taunya (Steve), Kelly (Asa), Nina, Uncle Buckles, Uncle Pakin Poitra, Craig and Jennifer Azure, Family; Grayson, Olivia,

Demi, Daphne, Miles, Aliyana, Gary, Murando, Elias, Ashaunti, TyRay, Jesse, Jordan (Emily), Cole, Aiden, Kylee, Amelia, Mercedes (TJ), and numerous friends and family members.

Lee’Al is proceeded in death by; her father Tony, Grandma Mary Fullerton, Brutus (Boo Boo) Moran, Grandma Roberta Archdale, Grandpa Gary Moran, Brother Austin Fullerton, Aunt Nora Moran, Cousin Elizabeth Garcia (Billings), Favorite teacher Mrs. Peterson, and numerous aunts, uncles and family.

We would like to give a very special thank you to the staff at NEMHS Trinity Hospital. We appreciate all your kindness and understanding. To lose someone so special to all of us has been devastating. We will never forget the unwavering care and sensitivity you gave Lee’Al, not just at the end of her life but throughout her life. Thank you to the nurses, staff and doctors for always singing Wheels on the Bus repeatedly and grabbing a broom to sweep up her mountain of torn tissue. It wasn’t just Lee’Al that you helped through such a traumatic and difficult time – it was the whole family. All our questions were answered with patience and the support we needed never faltered. Thank you to all the incredible nurses, CNA’s, Dr. Zilkoski, Dr. Uphues, Kathy Wolff, Ben Miller, Rebecca Stacey, Dr. Usadi, Scott Pocha, the ward clerks, lab, Xray and Housekeeping.

We are so incredibly grateful and appreciative to everyone who has sent us prayers, kind words and love. We apologize if we left anyone out, please know you are all in our hearts.

Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.

Service Schedule

Prayer Service

6:00 p.m.

Thursday March 9, 2023

Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel

102 Custer Street

Wolf Point, Montana 59201

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Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Friday March 10, 2023

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

513 Dawson Street

Wolf Point, Montana 59201

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Interment

Greenwood Cemetery

Wolf Point, Montana

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