Alice Oosterhoudt

Alice Richards Oosterhoudt, age 92, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, while in the capable and compassionate care of Heritage Oaks, formerly Magnolia Manor, on St. Simons Island, Georgia, and Affinis Hospice.

Born on December 14, 1933, and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Alice graduated from Landon High School before attending Queens College in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she became a sister of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She later married fellow Jacksonville native James “Jim” J. Oosterhoudt, and together they embarked upon a life that would take them throughout Georgia and create many lasting friendships along the way.

In the mid-1950s, Alice and Jim moved to Atlanta, where she devoted herself to supporting her husband as he completed medical school and his surgical residency, all while raising their two young sons. In the mid-1960s, the family made Dalton, Georgia, their home, and Alice soon became an active and familiar part of the community.

Her desire to serve others extended well beyond her home. Alice was active with the local medical auxiliary and later worked with the Georgia Lung Association and the American Cancer Society. Through her work, she helped raise funds in support of both organizations and became particularly passionate about encouraging people to stop smoking. Helping others live healthier lives became an important part of her years of community service.

Faith was also an important part of Alice’s life. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Dalton and later became a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Dalton.

Alice possessed a warm and social spirit and thoroughly enjoyed entertaining family and friends. She especially loved a good game of bridge and the fellowship that came along with it. Throughout her long life, she also shared her home and affection with several beloved dogs, each holding a special place in her heart.

After retiring in the late 1990s, Alice continued to make Dalton her home well into her eighties before eventually moving to St. Simons Island. There, she became a beloved member of the Magnolia Manor community, now Heritage Oaks. Even in the later seasons of her life, Alice’s kindness continued to shine through. She was known for always having a kind word for those who cared for her and developed a special relationship with the staff. When Magnolia Manor transitioned to Heritage Oaks, the staff honored Alice by voting her “Miss Magnolia,” a fitting recognition for a lady whose gracious personality had endeared her to so many. Alice is preceded in death by her older brother, Ferdinand Richards of Tampa, Florida; his wife, Joan Richards; and her nephew, Dr. Ferdinand Richards.

Left to cherish a lifetime of memories are her two sons, Jim Oosterhoudt, Jr. and Geoff Oosterhoudt; her daughter-in-law, Kelly Oosterhoudt; her granddaughter, Claire Oosterhoudt Kloss and her husband, David Kloss; her great-grandson, Desmond Dae Kloss; her younger brother, John Richards; her nieces, Shay Brasher and her husband, Jon, Ginger Breyo and her husband, Jason, and Leah Joan Richards King; her nephew, John Lee Richards; and numerous other relatives and friends made throughout her long and fulfilling life.

From Jacksonville to Atlanta, Dalton, and finally St. Simons Island, Alice touched many lives during her 92 years. She will be remembered for her devotion to family, her service to others, her enduring friendships, her love of animals, and perhaps most of all, for the kindness and gracious spirit she continued to share with those around her until the end of her life.

Low Country Cremation and Burial has the honor to serve the Oosterhoudt family.