LITTLE SHIELDS
Twylla Joy Little Shields
(Innainihkiaakii)
January 18, 1972 – April 25, 2024
She was Mommy and Daddy’s precious little angel and has now returned into their loving embrace in eternal rest. Who began her journey on April 25, 2024 where she passed peacefully in the comfort of her home. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Twylla Joy Little Shields: Wife, Mother, Gramma, Sister and Auntie. Twylla was born January 18, 1972 at the Blood Indian Hospital to Ed and Marion Heavy Shields. Twylla is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Lance Little Shields, and her precious children and grandchildren: Carter (Kayla) children Kip Roze, Wylde Hart and Dally Behr; Maizie (Ty) children Rhyle, Eddie Christopher, Khyler Ty, Bowynn Arrow and Baby Austyn Sis; Brooke (Michelle) and children Nash and Rhys. Twylla and Lance were so excited when they became grandparents and took Eddie as their own and continue to care for his every need.
Twylla is survived by her siblings: Les (Emily) Heavy Shields, Murray Heavy Shields (Deceased), Darlene (Jim) Plume, Rudy Heavy Shields (Deceased) and Paul (Nadine) Good Striker. Twylla was the youngest of the family and her siblings were so excited when she was brought home from the hospital, spoiling her and catering to her every need. With Twylla being younger than her siblings she grew up with her nieces and nephews, taking them all as Brothers and Sisters. First born grandchildren to Ed and Marion were twins, Kenny and Gina Heavy Shields. Twylla was so excited and protective of her twins when they arrived that she cared for them as her younger brother and sister.
Nieces and Nephews: Arlene (Lane), Talsa (Tryson), Bambi, Joni (Shane), Marty, Fawn (Chad), Sable, Krissy (Shawn), Cody (Mary) and Shaw (Bailey). Twylla had a special bond with all her Nieces and Nephews, always reminding to stop by and visit.
Uncles and Aunties: Emily (Muggs) Good Striker, Delphine Good Striker, Mickey (Alex) Good Striker, Jordon Heavy Shields, Barb Heavy Shields, Steven Heavy Shields, Faye Heavy Shields and Sharon Heavy Shields. Father-In-law George Little Shields and familie: Corey Little Shields (Keysha, Josie, Lakita, Luke, Kora, Harley and Joan), Tanya (Wade) Little Shields (Nico, Justin, Tylo, Quinn, Emmit), Darell Schick (Late Twinks) Brooke, Kalica (Tripp), Tucker, Shay).
Twylla was born into a rodeo family. Her dad and brothers competed in rodeo and Twylla’s destiny was to compete in rodeo as well. She competed in the barrel racing and pole bending events and was a natural athlete. She was a strong competitor in basketball, volleyball, and track. Twylla could often be seen with a book in her hand throughout her life. She admired her older sister Darlene who was always studying and wanted to be just like her. Twylla was always making notes with her highlighters and labels in her books to share with friends and family. Twylla always had a love for crafting; she would sit for hours making traditional crafts and home decorations.
Twylla’s brothers were hockey players. Her mom ran the concession and her dad would be in the stands cheering on the boys. Twylla’s mom once called her a rink rat as she was always at the hockey arena. It was there at the rink where she met Lance. Lance’s mom, Joan, loved Twylla very much and was very delighted to have her as a daughter. Twylla and Lance later wed on a beautiful rainy day in June of 1989 surrounded by family and friends. Thereafter, they welcomed Carter and Maizie to complete their family. Twylla’s rink rat career continued as she was at the hockey arena from sun-up to sun-down for Lance and their children-she was their biggest fan.
Carter and Maizie kept Twylla busy, as they were always on the road. If they weren’t at the rink, they were at the gym, as Maizie and Carter competed in various sports. Twylla was also so proud of their accomplishments. When Carter and Maizie moved away to play hockey, Twylla had a desire to become more involved with Kainai Minor Hockey. She completed her Hockey Alberta Coach’s level 1 and brought girls hockey back to Kainai where she coached the bantam girl’s hockey team.
Twylla attended Cardston Elementary, Cardston Jr High, FP Walsh, Cardston High School and Kainai High School. She graduated from Lethbridge College with a Child & Youth Care Diploma.
Twylla’s business acumen was impeccable; she completed her Child & Youth Care practicum in Calgary AB at the Sifton Group Home. She had excellent leadership skills and became employed at Kainaiwa Children Services Corporation in 1997. She successfully created an Early Intervention Program for teen girls on the reserve. Twylla was a Prevention and Support Manager upon leaving KCSC in 2012 to pursue a small business. She was the owner of ‘The General Store’ in Moses Lake. She also completed her Nail Technician Certificate through Training Inc. Twylla also worked at the Bank of Nova Scotia in Standoff. Her career and business passions were to work with people, young and old, as Twylla had the natural ability to connect with everyone she met.
Twylla loved nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren--they were the light of her life. Twylla cherished every single moment she spent with her grandchildren, she spoiled them rotten. She always had something for them in her purse or in the bedroom. Sneaking away to the dollar store, having snacks, whenever gramma went shopping, she always had to buy for her grandchildren. Twylla always looked forward to watching Kip Roze play soccer and watching Eddie play hockey and baseball. Khyler Ty, Wylde Hart and Bowynn Arrow kept Grama busy in the stands, along with her baby girls Dally Behr and Austyn Sis.
Twylla held a special place in her heart for all her nieces and nephews, as well as her grand-nieces and nephews whom she took them all as her own grandchildren. Twylla and Lance were blessed with all grandboys up until this past July 2023 when Baby Sis and Dally arrived. So they took Kodi, whom she referred to as Loo, Fallyn and Hayden (Baby Girl) as their granddaughters and always enjoyed their company and had special crafting activities planned when they visited or had sleepovers. The girls loved visiting Auntie Twylla as they would get to check out all her bags of beads and craft items. The grandchildren never left Gramma’s house without a bag of crafts and treat bags.
Twylla’s parents joined the Horn Society in 2003. And due to Marion’s health, Twylla was transferred rights which allowed her to take part in helping her Dad when Mom no longer could. In 2014, Twylla and Lance transferred into the White Buffalo Society (Horns) until 2019. Twylla took pride in our cultural lifestyle and gained a lot of knowledge as a bundle holder to (Istesstoa’kiioap). Certain protocols, tasks and duties required tremendous strength and determination and Twylla and Lance were dedicated to fulfil their commitments. Twylla’s strength and determination were inspiring and Twylla could always rely on their partner Aokaat’as (Clarence Black Water) to get things done. Twylla was very excited to transfer (Isstesstoa’kiioap) to her holy children Nitasha, Nick and their partner Trent.
Twylla developed many friendships throughout her lifetime and knew the true meaning of Love and Friendship as she would always take time to visit with those she met.
Twylla Joy is predeceased by her loving parents: Ed & Marion Heavy Shields, Siblings: Murray Heavy Shields, Rudy Heavy Shields, Kenny & Gina Heavy Shields. Her Nephews: Clay Plume and RJ Heavy Shields. Maternal Family: Grandparents Frank & Beatrice Good Striker; Uncles and Aunties Woodrow Good Striker, Larry & Patsy Rabbit, Mildred Good Striker; Cousins: Alexis Good Striker and Sonya Good Striker. Paternal Family: Grandparents Eddie & Adelaide Heavy Shields; Uncles and Aunties James & Lena Russell, Herman & Isabel Heavy Shields, Gordon Heavy Shields, Mary Heavy Shields, Evelyn Healy, Lyman Tail Feathers, John Heavy Shields; Cousins: Ramona Heavy Shields, Robbie Russell, Lynel Tail Feathers, Jolaine Shade, Brad Heavy Shields, Hayden Heavy Shields, Lane Tail Feathers and Justin Healy. Also predeceased by her Mother-In-law Joan Wells, Sister-In-law Yolanda (Twinks) Little Shields and Gramma Doreen Little Shields.
~Twylla Will Forever Hold A Special Place In Our Hearts ~
The Wake Service will be held on Thursday, May 2 from 6:00 – 11:00 pm at Moses Lake Community Hall and continuing all night at Lance and Twylla’s residence. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 3 at 12:00 pm at Moses Lake Community Hall. Interment will take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Blood Reserve.
Twylla Joy Little Shields
(Innainihkiaakii)
January 18, 1972 – April 25, 2024
She was Mommy and Daddy’s precious little angel and has now returned into their loving embrace in eternal rest. Who began her journey on April 25, 2024 where she passed peacefully in the comfort of her home. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Twylla Joy Little Shields: Wife, Mother, Gramma, Sister and Auntie. Twylla was born January 18, 1972 at the Blood Indian Hospital to Ed and Marion Heavy Shields. Twylla is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Lance Little Shields, and her precious children and grandchildren: Carter (Kayla) children Kip Roze, Wylde Hart and Dally Behr; Maizie (Ty) children Rhyle, Eddie Christopher, Khyler Ty, Bowynn Arrow and Baby Austyn Sis; Brooke (Michelle) and children Nash and Rhys. Twylla and Lance were so excited when they became grandparents and took Eddie as their own and continue to care for his every need.
Twylla is survived by her siblings: Les (Emily) Heavy Shields, Murray Heavy Shields (Deceased), Darlene (Jim) Plume, Rudy Heavy Shields (Deceased) and Paul (Nadine) Good Striker. Twylla was the youngest of the family and her siblings were so excited when she was brought home from the hospital, spoiling her and catering to her every need. With Twylla being younger than her siblings she grew up with her nieces and nephews, taking them all as Brothers and Sisters. First born grandchildren to Ed and Marion were twins, Kenny and Gina Heavy Shields. Twylla was so excited and protective of her twins when they arrived that she cared for them as her younger brother and sister.
Nieces and Nephews: Arlene (Lane), Talsa (Tryson), Bambi, Joni (Shane), Marty, Fawn (Chad), Sable, Krissy (Shawn), Cody (Mary) and Shaw (Bailey). Twylla had a special bond with all her Nieces and Nephews, always reminding to stop by and visit.
Uncles and Aunties: Emily (Muggs) Good Striker, Delphine Good Striker, Mickey (Alex) Good Striker, Jordon Heavy Shields, Barb Heavy Shields, Steven Heavy Shields, Faye Heavy Shields and Sharon Heavy Shields. Father-In-law George Little Shields and familie: Corey Little Shields (Keysha, Josie, Lakita, Luke, Kora, Harley and Joan), Tanya (Wade) Little Shields (Nico, Justin, Tylo, Quinn, Emmit), Darell Schick (Late Twinks) Brooke, Kalica (Tripp), Tucker, Shay).
Twylla was born into a rodeo family. Her dad and brothers competed in rodeo and Twylla’s destiny was to compete in rodeo as well. She competed in the barrel racing and pole bending events and was a natural athlete. She was a strong competitor in basketball, volleyball, and track. Twylla could often be seen with a book in her hand throughout her life. She admired her older sister Darlene who was always studying and wanted to be just like her. Twylla was always making notes with her highlighters and labels in her books to share with friends and family. Twylla always had a love for crafting; she would sit for hours making traditional crafts and home decorations.
Twylla’s brothers were hockey players. Her mom ran the concession and her dad would be in the stands cheering on the boys. Twylla’s mom once called her a rink rat as she was always at the hockey arena. It was there at the rink where she met Lance. Lance’s mom, Joan, loved Twylla very much and was very delighted to have her as a daughter. Twylla and Lance later wed on a beautiful rainy day in June of 1989 surrounded by family and friends. Thereafter, they welcomed Carter and Maizie to complete their family. Twylla’s rink rat career continued as she was at the hockey arena from sun-up to sun-down for Lance and their children-she was their biggest fan.
Carter and Maizie kept Twylla busy, as they were always on the road. If they weren’t at the rink, they were at the gym, as Maizie and Carter competed in various sports. Twylla was also so proud of their accomplishments. When Carter and Maizie moved away to play hockey, Twylla had a desire to become more involved with Kainai Minor Hockey. She completed her Hockey Alberta Coach’s level 1 and brought girls hockey back to Kainai where she coached the bantam girl’s hockey team.
Twylla attended Cardston Elementary, Cardston Jr High, FP Walsh, Cardston High School and Kainai High School. She graduated from Lethbridge College with a Child & Youth Care Diploma.
Twylla’s business acumen was impeccable; she completed her Child & Youth Care practicum in Calgary AB at the Sifton Group Home. She had excellent leadership skills and became employed at Kainaiwa Children Services Corporation in 1997. She successfully created an Early Intervention Program for teen girls on the reserve. Twylla was a Prevention and Support Manager upon leaving KCSC in 2012 to pursue a small business. She was the owner of ‘The General Store’ in Moses Lake. She also completed her Nail Technician Certificate through Training Inc. Twylla also worked at the Bank of Nova Scotia in Standoff. Her career and business passions were to work with people, young and old, as Twylla had the natural ability to connect with everyone she met.
Twylla loved nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren--they were the light of her life. Twylla cherished every single moment she spent with her grandchildren, she spoiled them rotten. She always had something for them in her purse or in the bedroom. Sneaking away to the dollar store, having snacks, whenever gramma went shopping, she always had to buy for her grandchildren. Twylla always looked forward to watching Kip Roze play soccer and watching Eddie play hockey and baseball. Khyler Ty, Wylde Hart and Bowynn Arrow kept Grama busy in the stands, along with her baby girls Dally Behr and Austyn Sis.
Twylla held a special place in her heart for all her nieces and nephews, as well as her grand-nieces and nephews whom she took them all as her own grandchildren. Twylla and Lance were blessed with all grandboys up until this past July 2023 when Baby Sis and Dally arrived. So they took Kodi, whom she referred to as Loo, Fallyn and Hayden (Baby Girl) as their granddaughters and always enjoyed their company and had special crafting activities planned when they visited or had sleepovers. The girls loved visiting Auntie Twylla as they would get to check out all her bags of beads and craft items. The grandchildren never left Gramma’s house without a bag of crafts and treat bags.
Twylla’s parents joined the Horn Society in 2003. And due to Marion’s health, Twylla was transferred rights which allowed her to take part in helping her Dad when Mom no longer could. In 2014, Twylla and Lance transferred into the White Buffalo Society (Horns) until 2019. Twylla took pride in our cultural lifestyle and gained a lot of knowledge as a bundle holder to (Istesstoa’kiioap). Certain protocols, tasks and duties required tremendous strength and determination and Twylla and Lance were dedicated to fulfil their commitments. Twylla’s strength and determination were inspiring and Twylla could always rely on their partner Aokaat’as (Clarence Black Water) to get things done. Twylla was very excited to transfer (Isstesstoa’kiioap) to her holy children Nitasha, Nick and their partner Trent.
Twylla developed many friendships throughout her lifetime and knew the true meaning of Love and Friendship as she would always take time to visit with those she met.
Twylla Joy is predeceased by her loving parents: Ed & Marion Heavy Shields, Siblings: Murray Heavy Shields, Rudy Heavy Shields, Kenny & Gina Heavy Shields. Her Nephews: Clay Plume and RJ Heavy Shields. Maternal Family: Grandparents Frank & Beatrice Good Striker; Uncles and Aunties Woodrow Good Striker, Larry & Patsy Rabbit, Mildred Good Striker; Cousins: Alexis Good Striker and Sonya Good Striker. Paternal Family: Grandparents Eddie & Adelaide Heavy Shields; Uncles and Aunties James & Lena Russell, Herman & Isabel Heavy Shields, Gordon Heavy Shields, Mary Heavy Shields, Evelyn Healy, Lyman Tail Feathers, John Heavy Shields; Cousins: Ramona Heavy Shields, Robbie Russell, Lynel Tail Feathers, Jolaine Shade, Brad Heavy Shields, Hayden Heavy Shields, Lane Tail Feathers and Justin Healy. Also predeceased by her Mother-In-law Joan Wells, Sister-In-law Yolanda (Twinks) Little Shields and Gramma Doreen Little Shields.
~Twylla Will Forever Hold A Special Place In Our Hearts ~
The Wake Service will be held on Thursday, May 2 from 6:00 – 11:00 pm at Moses Lake Community Hall and continuing all night at Lance and Twylla’s residence. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 3 at 12:00 pm at Moses Lake Community Hall. Interment will take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Blood Reserve.