Carol G. Robertson, Ihawičaya Win (Makes Them Smile/Laugh Woman), passed away surrounded by her daughters and loving family. She made her journey on April 15, 2025 at the Flandreau Tribal Health Long Term Care Center, surrounded by her daughters and loved ones. Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM, Friday, April 18, 2025 at the Wicoicaga Otipi Community Center in Flandreau, SD. Visitation and wake services will take place from 2:00PM to 4:00PM on Thursday, April 17, 2025 also at the Wicoicaga Otipi Community Center in Flandreau, SD.
Carol was born on September 18, 1944, in Flandreau to Howard Robertson and Catherine (Cottier) Robertson. She graduated from the Stephan Mission Indian School in 1962. February 8, 1963, she graduated with a Diploma in Dental Assistant Receptionist, Professional Business Institute, Minneapolis, MN.
In 1963 she married Gene Hovland, of Flandreau, and of this union they had three daughters, Cindy G. (Hovland) Woolston, Priscilla Hovland, and Jeannie Hovland. Carol obtained a Minor in Indian Studies and Major in Social Sciences from the Black Hills State College in 1977 and was recognized as a prominent senior. In 1979 she worked at the South Dakota Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker Program, and in 1983 she was promoted to Area Office Director. From 1981-1987 she was appointed by the Governor of SD as a Human Rights Commissioner. From 1981-1985, she was the owner of Chieftain Painting business. In February 1982, the Ohoyo Resource Center recognized Carol Hovland as one of eight AI/AN Women for their resource guide.
February 12 1987, Carol was featured on Who’s Who Among the Sioux. In August 1987, the South Dakota State Division of Education and Cultural Affairs recognized Carol Robertson in Women in Non-Traditional Careers.
February 1982, she worked for the Western Dakota Vo-Tech – Lakota Oyate Okalakiciye and yearned to be back in her tribal community. She moved back to Flandreau in 1993. Carol served her Oyate for over 23 years at the Healthy Start Program, Trustee for the FSST Executive Committee, Economic Development Program, Editor of the FSST newsletter, Acting Tribal Preservation Resource Officer, Tribal Transportation Department, and working with the veterans.
During her life she enjoyed visiting family and friends. She cherished the time she spent with her family, reading, and keeping up with current events. Carol loved her tribal FSST Casino, and she enjoyed animals, especially her favorite pet named “Puppy.” Carol will be missed by her family, friends, relatives, and community members in Flandreau and the Black Hills.
Carol is the last of the Robertson family line, preceded in death by her father, Howard Robertson; mother, Catherine Robertson; sisters, Ella, Wanda, Nancy; brother, Sonny; and nephews.
She is survived by her daughters, Cindy Woolston (Evan Woolston), Priscilla Hovland, and Jeannie Hovland; grandchildren, Kayla (Danny) Hart, Clark Woolston, Branden and Blake Faber, and Jessica Hovland; special grandson-in-law, Hovakah Bosin, Sr.; great grandchildren, Autumn and Hovakah Bosin, Jr., Kylee, Madison, and Ethan Hart, Bryson Woolston; and many nieces and nephews.
