Lois J. Sytsma, 88, of Pella and formerly of rural Tracy, died Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella. She was born November 22, 1934, in Marion County, Iowa, the daughter of Earl and Lillie McCombs Daugherty. She was the valedictorian of the class of 1953, from Tracy High School. On November 7, 1953, she was united in marriage to Paul L. Sytsma. Following their marriage, they moved to the farm west of Tracy. Lois stayed very busy helping Paul on the farm, in addition to helping on the farm she stayed busy caring for her family and home. Paul passed away on March 18, 2001, after 48 years of marriage. Lois stayed on the family farm until ill health forced her to move into the Cottages in Pella. She was a member of the Tracy United Methodist Church and was active with the United Methodist Women and had been active with the Bethel Homemaker Club. She enjoyed gardening, and watching the birds. She was an avid reader and loved to learn. She delighted in spending time with her family.
Her family includes her three daughters, Beverly Burgason of State Center, Kerilyn Conrad of Urbandale, and LeAnn (Pat) Powers of Eddyville; four grandchildren, Karl (Jess) Burgason, Kyle (Daphne) Burgason, Rachel Powers (Tim Doyle), and Tanner Powers (Calli Zimmerman); six great-grandchildren, Neva, Magnus, Easton, Ellie, August, and Amara; and a sister, Linda (Gary) Collins of Washington, Iowa.
In addition to her husband, Lois was preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Mark Burgason; a brother, Jim Daugherty; and a sister, Rose Van Zee.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 2nd at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Kimberly Brown officiating. Burial will be in the Bethel Cemetery west of Tracy, Iowa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 1st at 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel, and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Pella Hospice or Clay Township Fire and Rescue.
