Mary Draper passed away at Accura Healthcare in Cherokee on Friday September 13, 2024. Per Mary’s request, there will be no services.
Mary Louise Lange was born on February 26, 1946 in Sutherland, Iowa to Harold “Harry” and Velma Lange. The youngest of six, Mary’s childhood days were spent in Sutherland. She eventually graduated from Sutherland High School in 1964.
Mary met her husband Robert F. Draper in the late 1950s. Bob asked her on a date, and she told him “sure, I don’t have anything better to do.” They eventually eloped (to the dismay of her mother) in Lennox, SD on March 6, 1973. Mary and Bob made their home in Sutherland. After being told that they would never be able to have children, Mary and Bob worked with Catholic Charities to become adoptive parents. During their waiting period, they fostered several teenage children in their home. The relationships they built with these children continued into adulthood as many maintained contact, and even brought their own children to meet Mary and Bob.
Much to their delight (and surprise) Mary became pregnant. She gave birth to her son, Devin Eric, in January 1979. The day they brought Devin home from the hospital, the adoption agency called to let them know there was a child available for adoption. Mary politely declined, considering the circumstances, and asked to be put back on the bottom of the list. In December of 1982, they received another call that a red-headed, blue-eyed baby girl was available for adoption. Mary, Bob, and Devin traveled to Ft. Dodge, Iowa on a foggy February 10, 1983 to meet their new sister/daughter Destiny Dawn. Mary loved to tell the story of their “Gotcha Day” and would often share this story with Destiny at bedtime, when she was sick, or just needed comfort. Despite the hundreds of re-tellings, the story was always the exact same every single time. Destiny loved to help tell the story and ask rhetorical questions, and memories of these special story times are still cherished.
Aside from her children, Mary had three main loves in her life: reading, cats, and John Denver… not necessarily in that order. She raised her children to be lovers of books. Bedtime stories were always a must in the house. On weekly grocery trips to Cherokee, Mary would always (ALWAYS) buy her kids a new book at the Bookseller. Book orders and book fairs at school were always in the budget as well. Mary was able to share her love of reading with others as the library director in Sutherland for 31 years. Mary loved her library families and as she got older, loved seeing her “library kids” as parents, bringing their own children to learn about the wonders of the library. She rarely forgot any of their names and knew just what books to recommend to each of them. Mary retired in 2015.
Mary loved cats. Her main goal in her retirement was to become a “cat lady.” Cats were always present at the home and some might argue she liked her cats more than her children (just kidding… maybe). In the spring of 2021 Mary adopted her spoiled kittens Winnie and Binx. They brought her joy, love, and companionship after Bob’s passing in 2021. Until her last days at home, she continued to dote on them, and they were quite possibly the most loved, spoiled cats in the universe.
Mary’s love of John Denver was also no secret to those who knew her. She shared her love of him and his music with those she knew the best. Her children grew up listening to John Denver and Bob didn’t mind that she had a crush on him, although he referred to him as a “frog” so maybe he was more nervous about it than we all believed. Mary loved John’s folky music about mountains, animals, and nature. Mary was devastated when John passed away, and in her final moments John’s voice sang her to sleep.
Mary lived a simple life. She did not ever buy anything new for most of her adulthood. Every car, every article of clothing, every book, etc. was bought used or from a secondhand store and if not, it was certainly on clearance! Mary worked hard to ensure that her family had everything they needed, often giving up her own wants and needs to make sure they were cared for. Despite Bob’s grumbling, Mary would spend hours (literal hours) sifting through every item at a Goodwill or thrift store if she had the time. To her credit, she found some pretty good deals!
Mary loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Grandma Mary’s house was a magical place for the kids and they loved sleepovers with her. They would watch Muppet movies and shows (especially ones featuring John Denver), play old card games, read a lot of books, eat her ‘world famous’ macaroni and cheese, and play flashlight tag at bedtime.
After Bob’s death Mary continued to live a quiet life in Sutherland with her cats and as much political news television as she could handle- more than most, no doubt. Mary suffered a fall in early December that ended up changing her life. Following a surgery and brief hospitalization, Mary moved to Careage Hills in Cherokee for rehabilitation. Unfortunately, Mary’s mind began to fail her and her body became more frail and Careage Hills became her long-term home. After a few months, Mary was moved to the Haven memory care unit at Accura in Cherokee. Mary found enjoyment in walking around and visiting with other residents and staff. Despite her struggles, Mary’s sense of humor and spunky attitude continued to be present as she continued to make more memories for her family and those around her. Mary’s wisdom passed on to her children and grandchildren includes four main tenets: be kind to others, don’t judge, stand up for yourself, and always tell the truth. Mary was accepting and loving of others, helped others when she could, and was incredibly understanding and empathetic of others despite their flaws. This no doubt inspired her children’s career paths- working with special needs populations and social work.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob in 2021, sister Phyllis Anderson (2002), brother Duane Lange (2009), and her sister Janice Thomas (2023).
She is survived by her children and grandchildren Devin Draper and Jessica, Charles of Omaha, NE and Destiny and Kyle Jorgensen, Madison, Mariah, and Allen of Cherokee. Sister Dorothy Bauer of Aurelia, Iowa and brother Gerald (Phyllis) Lange of Sutherland. Several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. And her very best friend Marla Aldag of Kiron, Iowa.
Mary’s family would like to thank the staff at the Haven at Accura, staff at Careage Hills, Dr. Loughlin, Dr. Parker, and the CRMC Hospice team.
