By Watertown Current - December 29, 2025 in 
Yvonne Ruth Williams, 92 of Agency Village
Yvonne Ruth Williams, 92, of Agency Village, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at Coteau Des Prairie Hospital in Sisseton.
Funeral Mass for Yvonne Ruth Williams, 92, of Agency Village will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Kateri’s Tekakwitha Church, Sisseton with Fr. Ken Lulf Celebrant. There will be an all-night Wake Service on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at 7 p.m. at St. Kateri’s Hall, Sisseton. Pianist will be Billy Kohl. Drum group will be Noisy Bear Singers. Pallbearers will be Elsie Williams, Ariel Williams, Jurae Renville, Monique Rattling Leaf, Laci Lafromboise, Emma LoveJoy, Janessa Barse, Jonita Barse, Wicanhpi Red Wing, and LacyJay Red Wing. Honorary Pallbearers will be Barbara LaCroix, Marvel Bursheim, Patsy Hart, Marie Renville, Sylvia Owen, Beatrice Biddel, Darlene Hansen, Edwina Bernard, and Ramona Renville. Interment will be in the St. Matthew’s Catholic Cemetery, Veblen. The Cahill funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Yvonne Ruth Wasi Wanna was born on December 26, 1933, in Veblen, to David and Florence (Robertson) Wanna. She attended grade school in Veblen then transferred to Sisseton Public School and graduated in 1951. Yvonne knew the value of hard work. She had several jobs and began working at the age of 14 as a cook’s helper in the old hospital. Then in the potato fields in Watertown, SD and in North Dakota. Through the Indian Relocation program, she worked as a bank teller/clerk in St. Louis, Mo. Upon her completion, she returned and worked at the Wahpeton Indian School. In 1965, Yvonne married Edward Williams Jr. in Colorado. Together, they raised five kids on Army bases in South Carolina, Okinawa, and Kentucky. They returned home to Agency Village in the late 70’s. Yvonne worked at many places: Agency Bingo Hall, Dakota Connection, Tekakwitha Treatment Center, Sisseton Wahpeton College, Dakota Crossing, Tiospa Zina School, and Early Head Start. She had her own catering business and would cater for many events for the SWO. Yvonne had a food stand at the annual 4th of July powwow for 35 years. She would also take her cooking to the Sisseton Horse & Buggy Days for over 10 years. Yvonne retired at the age of 85. During her retirement, she enjoyed watching her tv shows such as: Gunsmoke, Matlock, and Murder, She Wrote. Yvonne also enjoyed getting out of the house and would attend bingo events and going to the casinos. She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and made sure everyone knew it. She loved to chat with everyone. Yvonne was proud of the family she built and enjoyed gathering at Thanksgiving. She had a kind, generous heart and was willing to take care of anyone. Yvonne passed away at the Coteau Des Prairies hospital on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, surrounded by family.
Yvonne is survived by her daughters: Mona Williams, Lisa Red Wing, Gail Williams, and Karen Williams of Sisseton; one son Robert Williams of Lennox; 30 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; 25 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents David and Florence Wanna; husband Edward; son Louis Williams; daughter Lola Wanna; grandson Jack Barse; two great-grandchildren Jalen and Alaia Barse; paternal grandparents Peter and Alvina Wasi; maternal grandparents Sam and Agnes (Brown) Robertson; 6 brothers: Buddy Wanna, LeRoy Wanna, Earl Wanna, David Wanna Jr., Roger Wanna and baby boy Wanna; five sisters: Elissa Crawford, Ethelyn Perry, Janic LaBatte, Jean Wanna, and baby girl Wanna.
