Ruth R. Draper

Ruth Rene Underwood Draper went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 13, 2016. She is survived by her only child, Melissa Draper Parish of Kerrville, TX. Ruth was born in Cameron, Texas on August 4, 1922. She was raised in Houston, Texas, attended Massey Business College and Southern School of Fine Arts (vocal studies). Her aspirations to sing opera and concerts were dashed by the outbreak of WWII. She worked at Ellington Air Force Base south of Houston during and after the war. She eventually became secretary to the director of operations and training. There she met Lt. Robert W. Draper, a decorated pilot and Operations Officer, whom she married in October 1949. They moved to Long Island, NY and later to Colorado Springs, CO. Then a Major, Bob decided to return to civilian life and they moved to southern California. Their daughter, Melissa Diane was born in Burbank, CA in 1958. They divorced in 1960 and Ruth became a coordinator/trainer of business management programs at UCLA extension. She and Melissa moved to Houston in 1973 where she initiated the same programs at Houston Community College until 1981. From 1981 to 1987 she served as secretary to the minister and wedding coordinator at First United Methodist church, her home church as a child and young lady. She retired in 1987. Ruth moved to San Antonio in 1991 to be near Melissa. She joined Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, joined the Kum Doublers Sunday School class where she enjoyed a term as president, and especially enjoyed Mondays with the Joy Singers, United Methodist women and Creative Thinking circle. She spent 20 plus years in Southern California but she "left her heart in San Francisco". Ruth's charities of choice are the American Heart Association and the Arthritis Foundation. Ruth would like to be remembered as one who served the Lord and loved her family. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ruth R. Draper please visit our Sympathy Store.

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