Kay Draves

Kay Louise Draves, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at her home in Nisswa, MN.

Born on December 15, 1937, in Minneapolis, Kay was the daughter of Martha and Wendell Draves. She lived first in Robbinsdale and then in Minneapolis, where she had her mother’s teacher! The family later moved to Richfield where Kay was in the first class at Central Elementary School.

Kay and her family were charter members of Hope Presbyterian Church in Richfield. She attended the U of MN, majoring in Medical Technology, and worked there for two years. She then worked in Morgantown, WV when they opened a new medical center, primarily staffed with U of MN graduates. While there, Kay taught med tech students and developed a research lab. Following her time in WV, Kay worked at St. John’s Hospital in St. Paul, retiring after 30 years with the VA Hospital.

Although Kay never married, her family was large. In addition to relatives, Kay had seven Godchildren, loved her fur family, and was close to her brother Dell. Upon retiring to Nisswa, MN on Upper Gull Lake, Kay participated in many activities, including the bell choir at Grace United Methodist in Pequot Lakes. She was President of the Garden Club, a member of the Lions, the Historical Society, and the Legion.

Kay was an avid reader, consuming books one after the other! She and her brother enjoyed many exotic trips all over the world. They shared their love of travel with others. Always a woman of wit, Kay enjoyed playing bridge and BINGO.

Kay is survived by several cousins, godchildren, and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Wendell (Dell). In her later years, Kay’s family expanded to include her caregivers, Katie, and Barbie (and fur friend, Coco!).

A memorial service for Kay will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, October 24, at Grace United Methodist Church in Pequot Lakes, MN. Visitation one hour prior. Kay will be laid to rest at Lakewood Cemetery in South Minneapolis. Instead of flowers, memorials are preferred to Access Homecare, LLC.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.