Former Wakenda resident, Twila Marie Shirley Schomaker died November 29, 2025. In lieu of flowers donations to Toys for Tots or animal shelters. Arrangments by Hidden Valley Funeral Home in Carrollton.
“Twyla took to the skies on her broomstick on November 29, 2025, leaving this world a little dimmer but far more enchanted for having known her.
Twyla burst into this wild and wonderful world on July 31, 1970, the beloved daughter of Wretha and Allen Shirley. An intelligent and lively child, she spent her early years running alongside her cousins and sister, Rayma, forming bonds that lasted a lifetime. She grew up in Wakenda, Missouri, under the loving guidance of her grandma Guinea-a place Twyla cherished with all her heart and forever claimed as her true hometown. She even shot hoops for the Wakenda school back when its doors were still open.
Never one to hide her thoughts, Twyla spoke her mind boldly and honestly-sometimes landing herself in a bit of trouble, but most often for all the right reasons. Her fire, her wit, and her stubborn streak became trademarks that those who loved her came to adore.
A natural nurturer, Twyla dedicated much of her life to caring for others, working in nursing homes and providing in-home care. She made a habit of putting everyone else first, often to her own detriment but always with a full heart. When she wasn’t caring for people, she was hunting down treasures in antique shops, garage sales, and even along the roadside-where the oddest gems always seemed to call her name. She delighted in gravel-road adventures, waterfalls, animals, DIY projects, art, and anything with a hint of magic or witchery.
Christmas was her absolute favorite holiday, and she was known year-round to talk about decorations, hunt for new ones, and plan for the season with childlike excitement. She also enjoyed the free plays at “the boat” from her many hours at the slot machines, which she played with the same enthusiasm she brought to everything else.
Wherever Twyla went, a cup of instant (usually lukewarm) coffee and her cigarettes were sure to be close by. Her eccentric charm, her loving heart, and her famous no-bake cookies will be deeply missed. Her spirit lives on in her children-each of whom carries pieces of her personality-as well as in all the lives she touched with her fierce love and unforgettable presence.
Twyla was married twice in her life, to Steven Dollins and Richard Schomaker, and in true Twyla fashion, she eventually set off on her own path both times-never afraid to choose the life that called to her.
She leaves this earthly realm with four daughters: Nelma, Henrietta, Camra, and Amanda; nine grandchildren: Reagan, Thomas, Nolan, Koeyn, Anastasia, Olivia, Josie, Liam, and Eleanor; her cherished sister Rayma; one niece and two nephews; and countless other relatives and friends who adored her.
Twyla is preceded in death by her mother Rita, her great-grandmother Guinea, and the many beloved animals she lovingly cared for throughout her life.
May her broomstick fly high, her coffee always be warm enough, and her spirit forever wander the gravel roads she loved so dearly.”
In lieu of flowers all donations made to toys for tots or animal shelters. Arrangements entrusted to Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Carrollton, www.hiddenvalleyfunerals.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
