Diane Mabel Draper Nuckles

Diane Mabel Draper Nuckles, 90, widow of Douglas B. Nuckles, passed away Tuesday, July 16th, 2024. The daughter of Mildred Elizabeth Thompson and Benjamin Roosevelt Draper, Diane was born April 30, 1934 in Helena, MT. She was an enthusiastic fan of the Helena High School basketball team. She graduated with a B.A. from the University of Washington, and began a Master's degree at the Universal of Virginia thanks to the support of Kappa Delta Sorority. It was there she met her husband, Doug. She later was one of the first female students at The Citadel, where they both received a Master of Arts in Teaching. Predeceased by her parents and husband, Diane is survived by her daughters Nancy Nuckles Colyar, and Lessa Nuckles Whatmough (Joshua). As a newlywed, she taught high school and resided at St. Catherine's School in Richmond, VA while her husband was in dental school at the Medical College of Virginia. She left teaching upon his graduation to raise a family. She returned to the workplace as an Administrative Coordinator of the General Clinical Research Center at the Medical University of South Carolina while their daughters were in college and graduate school. Diane was an active community member. In Charleston she was a docent in some of the historic homes, and sang in the St. Michael's Episcopal Church choir. Once in Gig Harbor, she enjoyed playing bridge with several groups. She was a lifetime supporter of her Kappa Delta sorority, in which she enjoyed membership with her mother and daughter Nancy. She was a lifetime Episcopalian, and a strong supporter of her church, St. John's Episcopal Church in Gig Harbor, WA, as well as the local Gig Harbor FISH Food Bank. She enjoyed water aerobics classes for over 30 years, through which she made many "mer-peep" friends, and supported the Pierce County YMCA. Diane was also a thorough sports fan, especially of the University of Washington Huskies, and of Seattle Seahawks football and the Seattle Mariners baseball. In addition to those she watched sports of her own and their daughters' institutions of higher education. She also watched golf and tennis so she could coverse knowledgeably with her friends. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 2:00pm, St. John's Episcopal Church, 7701 Skansie Ave., Gig Harbor, WA 98335, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. John's Episcopal Church, or the Gig Harbor FISH Food Bank.
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