Latoya Nicole Drew

Obituary for LaToya Nicole Drew

LaToya Nicole Drew—affectionately known as Nikki, and to a chosen few as “Tootie,”—gained her heavenly wings on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the age of 43. She transitioned peacefully at Ava’s House Hospice in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Born on Friday, February 19, 1982, in Nashville, Tennessee, Nikki entered the world with a sweetness and humor that became her natural spirit. To know her was to experience her crooked, unforgettable smile, her sharp wit, and her iconic warning: “I will monkey kick you.” Behind her playful toughness lived a soft loyal heart, protective, deeply tender, and full of love for the people she cared about.

Nikki attended Una Elementary, Margaret Allen Middle School, and Stratford High School. She was baptized at Mount Gilead Baptist Church and carried her faith quietly, but steadily, throughout her life.

Her creativity bloomed early. She drew, crafted, and later designed video game controllers before customization was mainstream. She also poured creativity into cooking—where she worked as a cook, shift leader, and manager across restaurants and healthcare facilities.

She loved music, sneakers (especially Jordans) and had an extensive collection, video games, and the thrill of being a dedicated New England Patriots fan — specifically loyal to Tom Brady. She even named her beloved dog Brady Thomas in his honor.

Another passion that brought her joy was professional wrestling—WWE. Nikki didn’t just watch it — she studied it. She knew the greats, the teams, the rivalries, storylines, titles, and stats like a true fan. One of her final and most joyful memories was when the staff at Ava’s House created and presented her with her own championship wrestling belt during a televised match.

Her proudest life achievement was becoming the legal guardian and mother to her beloved son, Colten McKennon, following the unexpected passing of his mother and grandmother, Amanda and Vivian McKennon. Motherhood was her greatest honor and deepest source of pride.

After relocating to South Dakota, Nikki later married Ruby Brown Drew and built her life there. As only Nikki could, she found humor even in everyday interactions — often singing the playful line:“Ruby Doby Doo… where are you?”The joke stuck, and it remains a line that still echoes lovingly among the family.

She is survived by her wife Ruby Brown Drew; her son Colten McKennon; her mother Cornelia “Dru” Edmondson (Arvell Edmondson); her siblings LaTrice Drew-Buchanan (Rico Buchanan), Chanda Drew (Joe Griffin), Amber Buchanan, and honorary sister LaTarsha Drew Goldman; and her biological father, Marvin Hatcher.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law Brian McKennon; aunts Loretta Wigfall, Anita Drew, Diana Drew, and Iris Hatcher; nieces Tiana Drew, London Buchanan, and Channing Griffin; nephews Quinn Hathaway and Bryce Black; her devoted lifelong friend Staci Hunt and close friend Hannah Lawrence, Hella and Nicole Kaufmann; along with cousins, extended family, and a community of people who deeply felt her presence.

She was preceded in death by her father Anthony Buchanan, grandparents Bernice Hatcher and Willie “Papa C” Beech, and her aunt Patricia “Pat” Drew.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Nikki has been cremated in accordance with her wishes.

Though her physical journey has ended, the memories, laughter, and love she leaves behind will echo in our hearts forever. Nikki was unforgettable—bold, hilarious, creative, and one-of-a-kind.

Acknowledgment

The family of LaToya “Nikki” Drew extends our deepest gratitude for the prayers, visits, meals, messages, phone calls, and expressions of love shown during her illness and passing. Your support has carried us and will continue to strengthen us in the days ahead. We are grateful beyond measure.

Nikki fought courageously while living with a glioma, a form of brain cancer. As we honor her life, we gently encourage others to remain attentive to neurological changes such as persistent headaches, vision disturbances, unexplained balance issues, or sudden cognitive changes. Early medical evaluations can save time, provide clarity, and in some cases, improve outcomes.

We share this in Nikki’s honor—with hope, compassion, and love—not in sadness, but in service to others.

Forever Loved. Forever Missed. Forever Ours.

A link to watch the service is listed below, and will go live shortly before the service.

Heritage Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Heritage Funeral Home's Zoom MeetingTime: Nov 22, 2025 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/86930304800?pwd=CHiSO0K1mhWcIljJFilYXamcLCdLeT.1

Meeting ID: 869 3030 4800Passcode: 893090