Twila Joan Posey-Swenson, 80, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died March 25, 2018, after suffering a stroke.
She was born to the late Samuel and Erna Schwindt, February 16, 1938, in Jordan,Montana. Twila graduated from Garfield County High School in 1956 and earned her piano instructor accreditation from Northwestern Conservatory of Music, where she studied classical piano for over a decade under the tutelage of Esther C. Benson.
She married the late Gary L. Posey in 1957, and they lived together in Waynesville, MO. and Kirkland,WA., before relocating to Miles City, MT in 1964. She was widowed in 1973. In 1988 she married the late Carroll Swenson, of Miles City. Sharing Carroll’s family was a precious part of her life.
Twila was passionate about teaching piano, believing it refined one’s character; not only through the lifelong satisfaction of being able to play, but also through the benefits that come from the development and use of an orderly mind. After 15 years of teaching, she would often have an ordinary day in Miles City transformed to a joyous one when she happened to encounter a former student. Twila was a lifelong Christian with a deep and unwavering faith in her Lord Jesus Christ. She was fascinated with the people, animals and landscapes of his creation.
Twila was preceded by her sister, Evon Bollinger and brother, Samuel Schwindt Jr..
Twila is survived by her sister, Marlys Burkett San Antonio,TX; three children, Lyle Posey, Albuquerque, NM; Stacey Galla, Rio Rancho, NM and Shawnna Amerman, Rio Rancho, NM. She also is survived by four grandchildren, Sherman Galla, Chicago, IL and Shena Galla, Castle Rock, CO, Aaron Posey, Albuquerque, NM and Amanda Posey, Tuscon, AZ; and her great grandson Jasper Sandoval, Castle Rock, CO .
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Eastern Montana Industries
805 S Haynes Ave, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday April 2, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Funeral Service.
Monday April 2, 2018
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Linda Estes says
Mary’s and Twila’s families: so sorry about your sister and mother. She’s soaring with the angels and loving every minute of it. Live each day as she would want you to do. Prayers to all.
Diane (Rath) Hewett says
All of my dear cousins, I am so sorry to hear that Cousin Twila has passed away. I am sure she is at peace and playing beautiful music with both hands. Just think of the beautiful reunion she is having in Heaven. Her loving, caring, beautiful spirit will li e on in all of you. Love you all and God bless you.
Carol Rath Raschkow says
Lyle,Stacey,Shawna. Marlys and all of your families…my thoughts and prayers are with you..Twila was like a sister to me..she opened her home to me and we went through a lot of good times and bad times together..her suffering on this earth was great..but her love for God was greater..I know that Heaven is now filled with her beautiful piano music that she missed so much after her stroke…I can hear her playing and singing..”Precious Memories” i love you all..
Stacey says
My beautiful, loving MOM, was voted the #1 music teacher in the state of MT. Not many would know cuz she never would tell anyone, but her certificate proves it. She taught me piano lesson from 5rys to 15yrs, where I said enough already! Mom had a way if I would not practice I would bake cookies and be a hostess for the next 15 years of piano recitals. Her grandchildren Sherman and Shena if not preforming would be helping in refreshments for the recitals. It was a wonderful time but so much work! Mom I will say this , thank you for all the times I took for granted ! I know you went to Jesus, I hope to join you soon! Love, Stacey, Sherman,Shena
Connie Blonigen says
To all of Twila’s family – I’m saddened to hear of Twila’s passing. She was a wonderful and kind lady and I’m glad to have known her. Hold tight to your happy memories during this difficult time.
Phyllis Anderson Stevens says
I am so sorry to hear about your mom! I was at your house so many times and I remember her so well! My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time but just know she is at peace and we will all see her again!
Sally Fitch Ness says
My prayers are with all. She was a wonderful lady. I remember visiting them when I would stay with Sue and Sam in the summers.
Morris and Evelyn VanCampen says
The best years of our lives were spent on Palmer Street and Gary, Twila, Lyle, Stacey and Shawna were our friends and neighbors. Twila was a jewel as was her entire family. She always had a smile and enjoyed her loved ones and her family. We were blessed to have had these years and many, many good memories. We send our love and hugs to each of you, and are so thankful for the years she and Carroll shared also. May God comfort you and take you in his loving arms. Morris and Evelyn VanCampe, Gerald VanCampen, Heidi Galbreth and Christy VanCampen.
Y. McBeath says
My sincere condolences to the family on your loss. May you find comfort from the words found at Revelation 21:4. Soon death will be no more.
DJ and Gloria Rath Milroy says
Dear cousins–Lyle, Stacey, Shawna, Marlys and families…to each of you I send my love and most heartfelt condolences. Our Twila was always one of the most beautiful people I have ever known. Ours Lord has certainly added an earthly angel to his heavenly fold. Holding Twila and each of you ‘ in my heart and in my prayers.
Williams Family says
The loss of a cherished loved one is the most devastating experiences a family can face. At times, the loss may seem unbearable. Please know that there are family and friends who care and more importantly Psalm 34:18 tells us that “God is near to those that are broken at heart. He is the God of all comfort. God will comfort you during this difficult time of grief. Our prayers are also with you and your family.
Shirley Posey says
Dearest Lyle, Stacey, Shawna, and families and Marlys and family, you are all in my prayers. I love you all and God loves you and will surround you with his loving arms and give you peace. I lost my dear cousin, sister-in-law and friend on Sunday morning the day of my dad’s birthday. Twila and I have always been close friend cousins from the time of my first memories. We are only 2 mths. apart in age. Our families have always been close because of brothers marrying sisters. Uncle Sam and Aunt Erna came to ND at least 3 or 4 times a year to visit Grandpa and Grandma Rath and all their siblings that lived in close communities. Twila and I were good friends from younger school days through HS. We kept in touch by writing letters about current events, like boyfriends. The bond grew stronger when we married brothers, Monte and Gary Posey. We lived less than a block apart at one time. We and our small children would visit daily. Even though they moved back to Mt. we still kept in touch. I have such fond, fun, and funny memories of all those younger days with Twila, that will always be a part of me and I know you also all do. She was a sweet, kind, loving, and funny lady!
Janet Sherr says
Stacey, Lyle and Shawna and Marlys,
Twila was a very special person and we were as close as cousins could be. She had a sense of humor and would always want to visit when I seen her, which was not often enough in the last few years. I’m sure she is happy with our Lord and Saviour and is feeling great for the first time in years. I loved her lot.
Sherry Oster says
To Twila’s family;
I am so very sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed Twila. She taught me how to play the piano and was such a dear, dear person. My deepest sympathies.
Sherry
Ida Marie (Westbrook) Whitesell says
From Ida (Westbrook) Whitesell.
I thank Our Lord for the team that put the 2007 Schwindt Family Reunion together in Bismarck, No.Dakota. The Reunion was the missing link that gave me my extended family. The Schwindt Family Cookbook is my link for Recipes, Genealogy, Pictures and more . Twila traveled a long way to get to the reunion with her body limitations. Her spirit soars now with no more disease or pain. The great family reunion of all believers in Jesus Christ is the true life insurance policy that joins us to HEAVEN’S FAMILY. John 14:6. Live for Jesus and We will soon all be together. Never more to part in a brand new body. We will Sing while you Play the Piano Twila. Hugs to All.
Colette Swenson says
Twila was a fighter and a survivor. She encountered some really big trials in her life, but she never gave up and she never lost her faith, her love for life, or her sense of humor. Twila loved her children so much, and always talked a lot about them. She was a bright light in my father’s life, and a great wife and companion. Twila was fun to be around, and she will be missed, though I’m sure there is joy and celebration in heaven!
Joell Grager says
Lyle, Stacey, Shawna and Marlys,
My heart goes out to you all at this very sad time. Twila meant the world to me and my family. She’s at the center of many wonderful childhood memories, but also into adulthood. She had such a strong constitution and great faith in Christ and God. Twila was a kind inspiration and a mother who dearly loved her children and grandchildren. I’m certain she is having a joyful time in heaven being reunited with so many loved ones including those three Posey brothers and her parents, siblings and multitude of loving family members!
Gary D. Rath says
My memories of Twila are from visiting Erna and Sam in Jordan frequently with Dad and Mom. I also remember her staying with us for a few days in Tappen and her playing an old piano while Dad played his accordion. I still remember one of the songs was “How Great Thou Art!” May the many good memories help you through these days.Gary Rath
lyle posey says
Thank you for your condolences, prayers and wonderful recollections. They are sincerely appreciated and helpful.
Lyle, Stacey and Shawnna
Pam (Moths) Nisley - class of '76 says
Lyle, I am praying for all of you in the loss of your mom~ How wonderful that she loved Jesus, and we can look forward to our reunion one day 🙂 I was unaware of her love for music, but that warms my heart! I will be keeping all of you lifted up in the weeks ahead – God bless all of you!
Marlys Burkett says
Thanks for all of you for the condolences. John 3:16
Mark Galla says
My sincere condolences to all of Twila’s family & friends. Twila will certainly be missed and was loved by many. Twila was a wonderful grandma to my children and always kind to me as well. I know her family and friends loved her deeply and will miss her greatly but we also know she is in a better place and that she will no longer be suffering with the difficult health concerns she had for so many years. I’ll bet she is playing her heart out on the piano right now and looking down at us with a huge smile. God bless to all
Kara Clark Lambert says
Lyle, Stacey, Shawna, and Marlys,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Twila was such a beautiful person. I loved her smile and the twinkle in her eyes when she was smiling. She endured so much in her lifetime but carried on . I liked to listen to her play piano when we stopped to visit when she lived in Miles City. She always had cookies for us! May God comfort you all and Happy memories stay with you always until you are together again.
Hugs , your cousin Kara Clark Lambert
stacey galla says
Thank you all so much for the memories and comfort you have all shown me during my time of sadness. It has meant so much to me! GOD watch over you all, Love Stacey
Carlyne Grager says
The above comment given under Joell Grager’s name was actually from me. I’m not sure how it ended up being quoted under Joell! Carlyne Grager
Dorothy Schneider-Fuelling says
Mary’s Burkett, my love, prayers and sympathy on the death on your loved one, Twila. I sure she will be missed by her family and loved ones.
God Bless you all,
Bob and Dorothy Fuelling
Michelle Kaiser says
Twila was my piano teacher. She was the best! I’m sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful teacher and I have such fond memories of her.