Rose Mary Draper

Rose Mary York Draper, our cherished Mother, Grandmother, "Grandma-Great" and beloved Sister and Friend, departed this life at the age of 84 on Monday, October 21, 2024 at home with family at her side.

Rose was born July 13, 1940 in Genola, Utah to Aaron LeVon and Gladys Finch York. She married her childhood sweetheart, Elton Jay Draper, August 8, 1958 in the Salt Lake Temple. Rose grew up in Genola, attended Goshen Elementary through ninth grade, and graduated from Payson High School.

Rose and Elton made a happy life together in Granger, Hunter, and eventually in Genola where they made their permanent home on the York family homestead.

Rose worked 14 years as a Chapter 1 Aid at Goshen Elementary where she tutored students in reading and math. It was common for former students to approach her in places like the grocery store or at public events to express their gratitude for the impact she had on their education. Rose cared deeply for her students and cherished each one individually. 

Rose was a master baker who worked professionally for Spring Creek Candy Company and Rowley's Red Barn. While her candy, fudge and pies were legendary, her wedding cakes truly set her apart. She was commissioned to create thousands of cakes for special occasions, including weddings, anniversaries and birthdays -- sometimes for families across three or four generations!

After retiring, Rose and Elton served a service mission at Heber Valley Girls Camp from 2006 to 2008. During this time, Rose assisted with challenge courses, while Elton organized groups and helped build cabins.

Rose was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. Rose served in many capacities and callings at both the ward and Stake levels and served as President of the Relief Society, Young Women and Primary. Rose loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and lived it as she faithfully loved all whom she met. 

Rose is survived by her children: Carl Jay Draper, Laurel Ann (Blaine) Kenison, Todd Elton (Amy) Draper, and Blake LeVon (Amy) Draper; as well as her daughter-in-law Marjorie Draper, 22 grandchildren and 40, soon to be 41, great grandchildren. She is also survived by two siblings, Dick (Patsy) York and Jeanette (Wayne) Parker, and her sister-in-law, Norma York. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, sister, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Carl and (Myrna) York, Gene and (Dorothy) York, and Doug York, her sister Thelma and (Jim) West, and her beloved husband, Elton.

The family wishes to give a special "Thank You" to those who lovingly visited Rose at home and made her days happy ones. She loved company and joyfully opened her home and kitchen pantry to all.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 26th at 11:00 am at the Genola Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 North Main Street, Genola, Utah. Viewings will be held Friday, October 25th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Genola Ward Chapel and again on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to the services. Interment will follow at the Santaquin City Cemetery.