Olive Kelly Draper Brooks age 97, of Miles City left her earthly body on Good Friday, April 3, 2015 at her daughter’s home in the valley with her family around her.
She was born on Feb 5, 1918 at Marmarth, ND to John Martin and Minnie Ashburn Kelly. She grew up on the family homestead in rural Marmarth where she graduated from high school as Valedictorian in 1936. Her family moved to Miles City in 1940 where they made their home in Yellowstone Valley. Olive became employed at the Woolsworth Store in Miles City.
She married Lloyd Arnold Draper on September 5, 1944. They moved to Washington State to help with the “home front” effort during WWII, but returned to Miles City where they made their home on the Yellowstone Island at the corner of 4th Street and Felton. Through a miracle of God, 6 children were born into the family. Her children grew up with the Yellowstone River as their playground. She planted a gigantic garden every summer and harvested every fall. She raised her family on homegrown food, home baked bread and venison. Olive laundered the clothing with a wringer washer and a clothes line. She was well-known for her home-baked bread and venison chili. She was a committed housewife and faithful mother and maintained a secure and loving home for her family. She was a praying mother who called down the protection of God around her family every day.
In March 1979 Lloyd passed away at their home in Miles City. Olive remarried on Jan 13, 1984 to List (Les) Brooks of Cohagen, MT. They made their home on the family ranch in Cohagen. They became snow birds and traveled to Apache Junction, AZ for the cold winter months and returned in the spring to enjoy ranch life during the warm months of the year. They enjoyed almost 13 years on the ranch together before Les became ill. In May of 1994 Les and Olive moved back to Miles City to live with her daughter, Rebecca Gookin and her husband Ray. Les passed away on Aug. 12, 1996.
Olive is survived by her children; Susan (Pat) Hedges, Rebecca (Ray) Gookin, Martin (Vicki) Draper, Dorie (Danny) Kenitzer, Trudy (Lynn) Winslow all of Miles City, and Kenny (Sandy) Draper of Grass Valley, CA; her nephew, Jay (Sue) Hendry of Huntley, MT, plus numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And all of her many, many friends that called her Mom or Grandma.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, a sister Ruth Hendry, a nephew Lee Hendry and a grandchild Christopher Gookin.
Visitation will begin Thursday, April 9, 2015 from 1-5 p.m. at the Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Friday, April 10, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home with burial to follow at Custer County Cemetery. Should friends desire memorials may be made to the Custer County Community Table/Miles City Soup Kitchen.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday April 9, 2015
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday April 10, 2015
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday April 9, 2015
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday April 10, 2015
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
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Shelly Holum says
Prayers are with Olive’s family.. She was a great lady.
Betty Randall says
Becky and all of Olive’s children, Heaven has gained a beautiful angel and will be missed by many here on earth. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Claypool family says
To all of Olive’s families…..she was a very remarkable lady and we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Darlene Russell says
Olives” family, So sorry to hear the news, as long as I can remember I knew her, she and her family attended the same church for sometime, she was a great christian lady, she surely was example for all of us.
Janice Laib says
Olives Family So sorry for your loss. when someone you love becomes a memory the memory becomes a Treasure this is so true. My Prayers are for all of you. God Bless
The Miller family says
Our hearts are saddened for your loss, dear friends, yet gladdened that your Mother has stepped up into Heaven where NOW she is REALLY living! We will hold you all in our hearts and prayers. We are thankful for the many memories we share with your family when we lived at 501 Hubble in Miles City. God’s blessings be on you all.
Nathan and Kathryn Miller
and children
Carol Rath Raschkow says
Susan, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was the kindest, sweetest lady.and my condolences go out to all of your family. God Bless….
aunt olive says
Gone but not forever forgotten
Pat and Bob Corbin says
Grandma Olive, Beautiful lady both inside and out. You have earned your wings. Becky,Thanks you so much for all the good care you did for her. Hold your memories close to help get through this time. RIP Grandma Olive. Condolences to the family.
Cheryl Rainey Yasuda says
Fond memories of a very kind and loving lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you for comfort and peace.
-Cheryl Rainey Yasuda
Shelli Stanford says
Pat and Susan we are sorry for your loss and wil keep you in our prayers
Dwayne, Shelli, and Sarina Stanford
Donna Johnson Tebeau says
To all the Draper’s and their Families……. Growing up at the other end of Felton, I have fond memories of your mom. What a great mom and kind and loving person. Your loss is Heaven’s gain of a wonderful angel. May God wrap his arms around each of you at this difficult time.
Linda Zeimet and Family says
Susan, Pat and Family and all of the Draper’s, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this very difficult time. I only met your mother a few times and remember her as a very beautiful, kind and gently lady. May the love and support of family and friends bring you comfort.
Clyde and Kathy Leischner says
Martin, Susan, Rebecca, Dorrie, Trudie, Kenny and families-we are so sorry for the passing of your mom and grandmother. My memories of her are that she was a wonderful and caring women. May God grant you comfort and peace at this time.
Clara Jo says
my thoughts are prayers are with you all at this time ,, I remember your mom as a kid what a wonderful lady to every one .. god Bless
Kent Adams says
We at truck forum.org Got to know this sweet lady from Martins bragging about his mom.
We are sad about her passing.
Martin Draper says
I Thank each and everyone for the condolences. May all of You find happiness and peace, through our Lord and Jesus.
Thank You Kent, from the truck forum. All of You are very kind.
Mom did`nt want to “Cross That River” to get to the beautiful tree on the other side, She was afraid the water would be too cold, but, She finally crossed and I know that she is now in Heaven, doing the work of the Lord.
What aa wonderful thought, to know that I will get there Myself, someday and see My Mom and dad again.
Penny Monier says
A very sweet & beautiful lady. She radiated her love for the Lord. It was a joy to be in her presence. I celebrate who’s presence she is in now.
Carolyn Schenk says
Susan and family , ur mom living the life up in heaven !! She’s free, mentally healthy , PRAISE GOD !!!