She attended school in McCook, graduating in 1953.  She continued her education taking courses at McCook College. Sylvia met and married George in 1954 in McCook. To this union two children were born: Cynthia and Duane.

    Sylvia, what was to be a part-time job at DeGroff’s, turned into a full-time job. She devoted 30 years of her life working at DeGroff Department store as manager/buyer of the sewing and gift departments.  Sylvia and George took their vacation and visited all the continuous states during their travels except Hawaii and Alaska. They would travel to Canada over Labor Days to fish. She claimed she caught the biggest trout during the trip!  Sylvia baked and decorated wedding cakes and many other special cakes. She enjoyed bowling, sewing, playing the accordion, volunteering at the Helping Hands Store and the McCook Food Pantry. Sylvia found time as a busy mom to serve as a Girl Scout Leader. 

    Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Velma and brother, Stan Pearson.

Sylvia is survived by her husband of 69 years, George of McCook; daughter, Cindy (Stan) Moore of Bartley; son, Duane (Kathy) of Topeka, KS; four grandchildren: Ryan Billington of Omaha, Nick (Danielle) Patterson of North Platte, Joel (Jellissa) Patterson of Greeley, CO, and Courtney (Scott) Lindsay of Arvada, CO; three great-grandchildren: Sabian, Rory, and Lucifer; sister, Dolores (Wes) Burk of Stratton, NE and brother, George (Peggy) Pearson of Sun City West, AZ.

    The family chose cremation. A book signing will take place on Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM.  The family will be present from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Inurnment will take place at a future date. Friends may leave online condolences at herrmannfh.com. Memorials may be left in Sylvia's name to the McCook Food Pantry. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.