It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that we announce the passing of BARBARA ANN WELLS - MA MII TA PII AKII (Fish Woman), on Friday, August 16, 2019, surrounded by family and friends at the Chinook Regional Hospital.
Left to mourn Barbara's memory is her son Leo Wells (Trish); her granddaughter Dikki Shade (Sean) and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her mother, Sarah Wells; her brothers, Allan (Jocelyn) and Cody (Shauna); and her sisters, Dorothy Still Smoking, Judy Fox, Colleen (Pat) Thomas, Joanne (Jerry) Wells, Linda (Lewis) Little Bear, and Carolyn (Kurt) Zuback; her uncles; Richard (Geraldine) Wells, Frank, Euertte, Aluie, Tommy Hawks and Leroy Still Smoking; and her aunties; Bertha Weasel Fat and Junie Still Smoking.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Bob Eagle Tailfeathers and her beautiful children Dickie, Arbutus and Monty Across The Mountain; her father Luke Wells; her grandparents Dick & Katie Wells and Sam & Mable Still Smoking; her brother Kenny Wells; her sister Sandra Ross; her niece Charmayne Wells; her nephew Duane "Rusty" Wells; her uncles Albert & Herbert Still Smoking; and her auntie Janette Wells.
Barbara was born on July 9, 1954 to Luke Wells & Sarah Still Smoking. She was raised as a Kiipiitapooka by her grandparents, Dick & Katie Wells, and grew up in the Farm Four area. Living with her grandparents, Barbara was raised traditionally with the value of kimmapiipitsin (kindness). She practiced this value throughout her lifetime caring deeply for her many friends and her many nieces and nephews.
Barbara had a very strong bond with her grandfather Dick and was spoiled as a child. She was also central to her grandmother Katie's very long life. Barbara was a proud mother to her children Dickie, Leo, Arbutus Kay and Monty Across the Mountain, whom she loved dearly.
Throughout her lifetime, Barbara was a hard worker, she was a gifted cook and seamstress and made beautiful quilts and crafts which she supplemented her income. She was also a dedicated employee at Blood Tribe Health Department for many years until she retired.
Barbara loved her large extended family and her many, many friends. As a friend, 'she loved a good time, she had your back and told you like it was'. She will be best remembered for her good humour, her good stories and her generous spirit.
A Family Service will be held at WHITE CALF HALL, Blood Reserve, AB on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 7:00 P.M., followed by a Wake Service from 7:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARY'S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, Blood Reserve, AB on Friday, August 23, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Roy Jayamaha celebrating.
Barbara will be laid to rest in the Eagle Tailfeathers Family Plot.