Lillian Anderson Draper

106
Lillian Alice Anderson Draper died January 22, 2012 in Orem, Utah, shortly after her 106th birthday. She was born in Salt Lake City on New Year's Day, 1906; the next to the youngest child of Swedish emigrants, Axel Birger Anderson and Anna Olson. She married Terry Draper Sr. in the Salt Lake Temple on June 21, 1940, becoming an instant step-mother to Rulon, Jo (Miller), Melba (Pinnegar), Nellie (Milligan) and Glen, all of whom preceded her in death. Over the first seven years of her marriage, Marjorie (Conder), Terry Jr. and Thomas joined the family. These children survive her, along with their spouses, Darrell, Cathy and Linda and also, Fred Pinnegar Jr.
Lillian was the first in her family to graduate from high school and then college (the "U"). She taught in elementary schools in Salt Lake City and Alpine districts for thirty years. Later she was in the first small group of certified special education teachers in Utah. A major lifetime passion was education; the more the better, for everyone.
She was active in the LDS Church. Her great-grandfather, joined the Church in Sweden, came to Utah and then mortgaged his life to bring the rest of his family here. However, by the time Lillian was born, her branch of the family were inactive in the Church. She found the Church at age 14 and was almost instantly called to teach Primary. By age 15 was serving in a Primary Presidency.
She was an avid genealogist, working for over 80 years to find Swedish ancestors and complete their temple work. She attended the temple at least monthly until just a couple of months before her death. She also compiled biographies of ancestors for whom information was available. These were published and distributed to family members. These records are also available at the BYU Special Collections Library and in the Church Family History and Church History Collections. She had a deep love for her extended family and made great efforts across the years to stay in touch with all of them. Yearly family reunions where a source of joy.
Art was also a passion-especially oils, watercolors and figure painting. To the end of her life, even though her hands were arthritic and she was legally blind, she painted scenes which were then printed as her Christmas cards.
She has a large multigenerational posterity who love and cherish her.
Lillian's advice, "Write your life story. Every life, every family story is important. Be generous in supporting charitable organizations."
Two viewings will be held in the Orchard East LDS Church building at 1125 East, 600 North in Orem. The first will be Friday evening from 6 to 8 and the second the morning of the funeral from 9:30 to 10:45. The funeral will be at 11. Burial will be in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. If you wish, donate to the LDS Church Humanitarian Fund or your favorite charity. Floral arrangements are being coordinated through Jensen Floral 801-782-9128.