Sylvia A. Oothoudt 81 of McCook Lake, S.D. passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her family. Services will be held from 4-7pm Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Waterbury Funeral Service, 4125 Orleans Ave, Sioux City. The family will also have a celebration of life on June 27, 2023, at Sylvia’s home in McCook Lake. (See Facebook in June for details) .

Sylvia was born June 27, 1941, in Sioux City, Iowa the daughter of Betty (Price) Williams and Troy “Buddy” Graves. After graduating from Central High School, Sylvia Married the love of her life Wayne Oothoudt in 1959 and moved to McCook Lake, where she spent the remaining years of her life.

Sylvia was very involved in politics in the state of South Dakota and was a proud member of the Democratic Party. Sylvia was always involved in her community. In the 70’s she was a Coach for the McCook Lake Girls Softball Team, and in the 80’s Sylvia and Wayne where founding member of the McCook Lake Methodist Church.  Also, in the 80’s Sylvia dedicated herself to going to USD as well as her family and was able to excel in several areas obtaining several degrees along with her master's in political science.

Sylvia was a member of the North Sioux City council for 4 years in the 90’s. At the time she also began working at Simpco in Sioux City from 1990 until her retirement in 2003. While at Simpco , she was involved in the Prairie Creek project.  She was very honored to help establish the Storks Nest program and dedicated to helping young girls in several schools in Sioux City, along with many other programs in Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska.

She is survived by her son, Pat (Cheri Roest) Oothoudt, sister Terry (Kamradt) Williams, brother, Mike Williams, two granddaughters, Phylleshia Larsen, Jenifer (Brandon) VanBeek , and four great grandkids; Chel Larsen, Timmy Peterson, Patience VanBeek , and Sarenity VanBeek .

Sylvia was proceeded in death by her husband, Wayne Oothoudt, mother, Betty Williams, grandmother, Sylvia (Price) Fennell, father, Troy “Buddy” Graves, sister, Carol Andrews, two nephews, Joeseph Williams, and Greggory Thomas, and brother-in-law, Ronald “Butch” Kamradt.