Twyla Joy Seib, 76, passed away peacefully in her sleep Friday, March 13, 2020, at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau, where she was a long-term resident battling multiple sclerosis.

She is survived by her brothers, Rodger and Don Meinz.

Twyla grew up with her brothers in Cape Girardeau and attended Cape Girardeau Central High School before she went to live with her beloved grandmother, Bobby, in Oklahoma. Twyla was blessed with three wonderful children: Stephanie, Drew and Mitch. They further blessed her with seven wonderful grandchildren: Maddy, Kohlten, Dylan, Gianna, Emma, Raegan and Axel.

MS struck Twyla in the prime of her life, but she refused to allow it to steal her spirit. She loved to paint with pastels, play online chess and read for hours on end. Her ability to find beauty, intellectual involvement and joy in life despite the ravages of MS is a legacy she leaves her family.

Twyla was a proud, registered member of the Chickasaw Nation. Growing up, she enjoyed hearing firsthand stories of American Indian life from her great-grandmother, "Bucky" (who grew up on the reservation and who was born during the Indian Wars that followed the Civil War), and from her grandmother, Bobby, an accomplished artist of Indian life in her own right.

Twyla requested her ashes be spread in Love County, Oklahoma, named after her great-great grandfather, Overton "Sobe" Love. Twyla loved hearing and reading of her storied Chickasaw family, and she leaves her own legacy of endurance in the face of hardship to those who will forever miss her.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.