KAY FRANCES DRAPER

Kay Frances Draper, 73, of Gainesville, MO passed away on April 4, 2011 at the Hospice of the Ozarks Hospice House in Mountain Home, AR. She was born on September 4, 1937 and raised in Birmingham, AL the daughter of Samuel and Leona (Fowler) Sullivan.

In 1952 she moved to Rosemead, CA at the age of 15. After meeting the love of her life, Cecil Draper, they married the day after she graduated high school, June 17, 1955. To this marriage were born John, Julie and Joyce.

Kay worked for the California Maritime Academy as the head baker. As part of her job, she was required to work on a working cruise for six weeks out of the year, traveling abroad to Pago Pago, Tonga, and New Zealand. She was initiated as a rite of passage as she crossed the Equator, receiving the blessing of King Neptune-ruler of the sea.
After 22 years in the Navy, Cecil never spent active duty on a ship, yet Kay's job at the academy allowed her more sea time than Cecil. She lived the life of a Navy wife and cared for her family, which was her priority number one.

Cecil and Kay moved to the Ozarks in 1982. They loved traveling together. Kay loved cooking, baking, painting and sewing. Kay was a loving mother, wife, and trusted friend to all. She had a good sense of humor and loved her family with all her heart.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Leona Sullivan; and her husband Cecil Draper. She is survived by her children John Draper of Kingsland, GA, Julie Sauer of Oklahoma City, OK and Joyce Noah of Theodosia, MO; ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and one special friend Mikiko Bilbrey.

Funeral services for Kay will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2011 in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Gainesville, MO with Dale Roberts officiating. Visitation will be Friday morning from 10 a.m. to service time. Burial will be in the Gainesville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Red Cross.