Isabel Ranney is a Death Doula, Folk Herbalist, Reiki Practitioner, and the founder of Wild Willow Alchemy. Her work is rooted in the belief that death is a sacred threshold – one that deserves presence, dignity, and compassionate care.

Isabel was drawn to end-of-life work through personal experiences with death that began early in life. At eight years old, she witnessed her grandfather’s peaceful passing at home, shaping her understanding of death as a natural and dignified transition. A near-death experience in 2005 deepened her relationship with mortality, and in adulthood she supported loved ones through sudden loss, witnessing how isolating grief can be without adequate guidance or support. These experiences affirmed what she already knew in her bones: that no one should feel alone, unseen, or unheld as they approach death.

She offers grounded, intuitive support for individuals and families navigating death, dying, and grief, holding space emotionally, spiritually, and practically. Isabel approaches end-of-life care as a collaborative, non-hierarchical relationship, honoring each person’s unique beliefs, rhythms, and needs.

Services Offered

• Death Doula & End-of-Life Companioning
• Emotional and Spiritual Support for the Dying
• Grief Support (anticipatory, post-death, and ancestral grief)
• Energy Work & Reiki for end-of-life and caregivers, including psychopomp support
• Vigil Sitting & Presence at the Threshold
• Legacy work through food storytelling and recipe recovery
• Support for families, caregivers, and loved ones
• Pet death and grief support
• Herbal and ritual support as appropriate and desired

Isabel is a Colorado native and lives in Lakewood with her husband, teenage daughter, and three beloved animal companions (two cats and one dog). She loves living in rhythm with the seasons and values the grounding and perspective that comes from being close to the land.

Outside of her professional work, Isabel spends her time tending her garden, connecting with the land, and moving her body through jiu jitsu and wrestling; practices that keep her both humble and resilient. She finds balance in quiet moments, muddy hands, and the discipline of showing up, whether on the mat or in service to her community.

Isabel lives by values of compassion, integrity, consent, and presence. Community and rest are central to her personal and professional life, and she is committed to creating spaces where people feel safe to be vulnerable, seen, and supported. She is proud of her ability to hold steady, nonjudgmental space during difficult moments and continues to work on honoring rest, trusting cycles, and allowing softness alongside strength. A guiding belief in her work is: “Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.” — Haruki Murakami