Twyla was born December 16, 1930, to Thomas and Ruth (Felton) McKnelly at New Underwood, SD. During her early years, the family farmed near Viewfield, and later near Whitewood. She graduated from Sturgis High School in 1948.

On June 20, 1948, Twyla and Donald Hefner married at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Rev. C.D. Erskine officiating. Two sons were born to the marriage, Daniel and Ronald. In 1952, Don and Twyla moved to the McKnelly ranch near Sturgis, and in 1988, Twyla moved to Sturgis.0

During her lifetime, Twyla worked at a variety of jobs in Sturgis. In 1991, she retired after twenty-six years as payroll clerk for the Meade 46-1 School District. In retirement, she enjoyed working at the St. Joe Antique Mall in Rapid City and traveling extensively.

She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as an ordained deacon and elder, a member of numerous committees as well as the Presbyterian Women's Group and Daisy Circle. Close to her heart was Beginning Experience, a ministry to help separated, divorced, and widowed individuals. For seventeen years, Twyla not only led support groups in Sturgis and Rapid City, but throughout the U.S. and abroad. She was also a past member and office holder of GFWC/Sturgis Women's Literary Club.

Twyla Mae Hefner, 81, died Saturday, September 29, 2012, at the Belle Fourche Regional Senior Care facility following a lengthy illness.

Surviving Twyla are her sons, Dan (Deb) Hefner, and Ron (Carolyn) Hefner, all of Whitewood; four granddaughters, Erin Hefner of Worland, WY, Alecia Huck of Denver, CO, Scottie (Zweit) Bruch of rural Whitewood, and Bobbie Jo Palmer of Spearfish. She also leaves two great-grandsons, Beck and Quinn Bruch.

Twyla was preceded in death by her father in 1970; her husband, Don, in 1972; and her mother in 1983.

A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Northern Hills.

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