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Eileen Juanita (Tasch) Draper, 82, of Genoa, Ohio, died Saturday, September 1, 2007 at the Genoa Care Center, where she had been a resident the past 18 months. She was born Jan. 21, 1925, the oldest of three daughters of Edward Henry and Esther Wilhemena (Rewaldt) Tasch. A graduate of Genoa High School, she married Edward Clarence Draper on August 7, 1943. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary shortly before his death in October, 2004. A farm wife who enjoyed being home with her children, Eileen worked several part-time jobs over the years. She was a home party representative for Key Household products and later was an Avon representative. She also worked in the cafeteria of the elementary school her children attended and, in later years, was a cook for the Luther Home of Mercy. She also conducted piano lessons in her home for dozens of young students. She was active in community affairs, especially those involving children and music. She initiated the Girl Scout program in Allen Township in the early 1950’s and was its first Brownie leader. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother. She also was active with the Genoa High School athletic and band booster groups. While a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Williston, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was a Luther League advisor. She also sang in the choir and organized and directed a handbell choir for senior citizens there. When she and her husband sold their farm home and moved to Genoa, she renewed her membership in St. John’s United Church of Christ, where she had been baptized as an infant. She was a member of the Ruthenians and often led Bible studies and played the piano for hymns. The Drapers also made deliveries for Meals on Wheels for several years. Eileen was a member of the Gertrude Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star (now Woodbine Chapter) and served several years as organist. She also was a member of the advisory board of Genoa Assembly, Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and was awarded the Rainbow Grand Cross of Color for her service. She is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Marie Braatz (George) of Westerville, OH, and son, Edward Lyle Draper (Joan) of Genoa. She will be sadly missed by her four grandchildren: David F. Braatz (Joan) of St. Louis, MO; Michael E. Braatz, of Dublin, OH; Amy R. (Draper) Schectman (Jacob), of Eureka, CA, and Wendy J. (Braatz) Herkey (Todd), of Huntersville, NC; and five great grandsons. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Ruth (Tasch) Leking and Lorraine (Tasch) Ripke Bunch. Funeral services for Eileen will be conducted at 11 AM, Thursday, September 6, 2007 in St. John’s United Church of Christ, Genoa, with interment to follow in the Clay Township Cemetery, also of Genoa. Visitation will be conducted from 2-8 PM, Wednesday, September 5, 2007 in the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home, Genoa, OH, with O.E.S. services to be held at 7:30 pm Wednesday. Memorial contributions in Eileen’s memory may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ or the ESTARL Scholarship Program. |
