Nancy Draper

Nancy Ruth Draper, 69, died May 30, 2009. She was born Nov. 22, 1939, in Bessemer, Mich., to Lloyd and Carole Voss.

Mrs. Draper was raised in Manitowish Waters, Wisc. She attended high school at Douner Seminary for girls in Milwaukee, Mo., in 1957, and received her associates degree at Stevens College in Columbia, Mo., 1959. She continued her education receiving a bachelors degree in primary education from The University of Arizona in Tucson, in 1961, and a master degree in education from Northern Arizona University, also in the 1960s.

While growing up, her family owned Voss' Breezy Point Resort and she was a member of "Skiing Skeeters" water-ski team. She drove across the country alone to attend the University of Arizona to study education and become a teacher in 1959. While at UofA she was on the rifle team and a member of the American Indian Club. She married Richard P. Draper on April 14, 1961.

Mrs. Draper loved horses; she and Mr. Draper raised and raced horses. She loved to ride and her ultimate goal when she was sick was to get well and strong enough to ride their horses again. She also loved to read and had an extensive novel collection. Mrs. Draper worked for Chinle Unified School District for more than 25 years and retired in 1996.

Mr. and Mrs. Draper lived in Flagstaff, then Chinle, and then moved up to the Draper Ranch at Del Muerto in 1979.

Mrs. Draper is survived by her husband Richard P. Draper; their children, Kimberly S. Draper, Richard H. Draper and David S. Draper; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; her sister, Susan Voss-Kraut; and her brother, Henry C. Voss. A service will take place on Friday at 10:30 a.m., at the Chinle Catholic Church in Chinle. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.norvelowensmortuary.com">www.norvelowensmortuary.com.

Norvel Owens Mortuary is handling arrangements.