MISTY ANN LITTLE BEAR, beloved mother of Miley Blackwater, was called home suddenly by the Creator, on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, in Cardston, Alberta at the age of 43 years.
Misty will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Miley Mae, her mother Joanne Wells, brother Nick Little Bear (Kelcia Little Shields), niece Kalle, nephews Drew and Trip, father Shawn Little Bear, brothers Lou, William, Ryder, Cohen; Sisters Bai-Lee, Darcia, and Bo, nephew Kovacs and special friend Norman Black Plume Jr.
Misty was born on April 21, 1979, in Fort Macleod, Alberta. She grew up on the Blood Reserve in the community of Bullhorn. She attended Cardston Elementary, Cardston Junior High, Cardston High School and later graduated in 1997 from Catholic Central High School in Lethbridge, Alberta.
As a young child, Misty showed great interest in sports; she was a natural born athlete and excelled in various sporting events. Her first interest was figure skating, where she enjoyed participating in the Cardston Figure Skating Club's yearly carnival showcase. In addition, she loved to play basketball and softball. She played for the Cardston Junior Cougars basketball team, and played softball with the Lethbridge Softball League, as well as numerous other softball teams in Southern Alberta. Misty was an all-around competitor and had a special love for riding horses, she never turned down the chance to ride Abner at her Aunt Judy's residence.
The happiest and proudest moment of Misty's life was when her daughter Miley Mae Tanner was born. She brought so much joy to Misty's life and Misty took immense pride in raising Miley. Misty enjoyed keeping busy with Miley. Often, they would participate in activities such as swimming, biking, walking, sliding, and camping. One of Miley's fondest memories of her mom was being at home spending time relaxing with her.
Naturally, Misty was a skilled cook and homemaker. She enjoyed hosting various family gatherings and would welcome anyone into her home. She had a big heart and showed compassion for the less fortunate, she never turned down the chance to help those in need. One of Misty's most notable traits was her sense of humour; she would often be laughing, telling jokes, and playing tricks on people. She was a real trickster at heart and loved to play practical jokes on those she loved. If she played a joke on you, it was because she loved you. Misty made friends easily and was loved by all that came to know her. She always joked around about being a "Cougar" and dancing on the speaker at Soundgarden.
Misty was especially close to her late Grandmother Sarah "Dolly" Wells and maternal Aunt Barbara Eagle Tail Feathers. Joking and teasing her grandma Dolly whom she loved very much was one of her favourite past times. Misty has a large extended family with numerous cousins and relatives in both Canada and the United States. She was protective by nature and took on the role as protector to her close family and friends. She was brave and never backed down to anyone.
Misty was a hard worker and took pride in everything she did. She held various administrative roles at Blood Tribe Department of Health, Kainai Board of Education, Blood Tribe Land Management, Opokaa'sin Early Intervention Society and Treaty 7 Housing. In addition, she attended post-secondary at Lethbridge College, University of Lethbridge and was near completion of her Social Work Degree Program at Redcrow College in conjunction with University of Calgary. In light of her caring nature, it is no surprise Misty chose to pursue education in the field of Social Work.
Misty is survived by her maternal aunts Dorothy Still Smoking, Judy Fox, Colleen (Pat) Thomas, Linda (Lewis) Little Bear, Carolyn (Kurt) Zuback, paternal aunt Sandra Singer (Barney Day Chief), maternal uncles Allen Wells, Cody Wells (Shauna Scout), paternal uncles Norman Manyfingers, Darryl Little Bear (Mary Weasel Fat), and Donald Little Bear.
Misty was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Luke and Sarah Wells, paternal grandparents William Little Bear and Agnes Manyfingers, maternal aunts, Sandra Still Smoking, Barbara Eagle Tail Feathers, and Jocelyn English, maternal uncles Kenny Wells, Dickie Wells, paternal uncle Kasey Small Face, great grandparents Dick and Katie Wells, Sam and Mabel Still Smoking, Edward and Ruth Little Bear, Morris, and Annie (Pace) Manyfingers.
Misty's passing has left a large void in the lives of her family, friends, and everyone she met. She will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile, infectious laugh and caring personality.
A Wake will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, December 1, 2022 from 6:00 P.M. till 10:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Misty will be laid to rest in the Little Bear Plot.