Florence Draper, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away after struggling with Alzheimers for a number of years on Wednesday, April 23rd, leaving a legacy of service, faith, and love. Born May 5, 1935, in Gridley, California, she was the youngest of seven children and spent her childhood in the home her father built. Her early years were filled with adventures, social dances, and deep family bonds, shaped by the loss of her father at age eight.

Florence earned her degree in elementary education from Brigham Young University in 1957, the same day she married her eternal companion, Otto L. Draper, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they raised eight children—Nels (Andrea), Terry Southern Parker (Rick), Cynthia Hart (Ron), Katie Peterson (David), Nichol (Kellie), Sage Gallagher (Dave), Anna Winkel (Jerry), and Lauren—moving across the country and filling each home with love, tradition, and beautiful memories.

An attentive hostess, Florence made every Sunday dinner and Thanksgiving meal feel special, and Christmas was a magical time filled with joy around a hand-cut tree. She was an artist of home and heart—tiling bathrooms, upholstering furniture, wallpapering, repairing roofs, landscaping and gardening, encouraging piano practice, scripture study, and reading. She used her energy and talents to create a feeling of love and beauty in their many homes (Utah, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona, California, Nebraska, and back to Utah).

She served faithfully in many church callings, including as Relief Society president, and was deeply involved in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, sharing family stories and building lifelong friendships. Florence also worked as a real estate agent with Otto and volunteered at the MTC, finding joy in temple worship and missionary work.

She traveled widely, from Europe aboard the Queen Mary to London and Peru to greet her returning missionaries. Florence cared deeply for family, serving her husband during years of illness and caring for her aging mother, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law until their deaths. Her many nieces and nephews have expressed how loved they felt by her. Her strength, faith, and quiet sacrifices have shaped generations.

She is survived by her sister Helen Joe Stoddard (b. 1922), 8 children, 39 grandchildren, and 48 great-grandchildren (28 girls, 20 boys). Florence's love for reading, music, and service will echo eternally in the hearts of those she touched.

The family extends immense gratitude to the many caregivers and nurses at the Valencia Assisted Living Facility of Draper, Utah and Renew Hospice Care for creating a loving environment for Florence during her final years.

Funeral Services will be held on May 17th, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Lindon Utah Central Stake Center, 56 East 600 North, Lindon, UT 84042. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30-10:30 am at the church prior to services Interment following at the Orem City Cemetery.

To view the services online for Florence please click here. www.walkersanderson.com