Obituary of Ruth Audrey Draper

Ruth Audrey (Hasemeyer) Draper was born at home in Ramsey, NJ to Helen Evelyn Rossiter Hasemeyer and Russell Aubrey Hasemeyer, joining her older sister, Doris (Hasemeyer) Smith. At a young age, she demonstrated many of the qualities that would carry her throughout her life: creativity, intelligence, determination, variety, using available resources to build life-enhancing experience, and a love of life and laughter. She saved her allowance as a child to take baton lessons and then used her expertise to form the majorette squad at her high school. She later became drum major at college, and her memories of twirling are some of her favorites. She had a deep love of music, playing violin and string bass in high school, singing in choirs and playing handbells throughout her life. She loved needle work and was quite accomplished at counted cross stitch. She loved to travel, and to tell a good story. But above everything, family was most important to her.

She graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1949, and then went to the College of William and Mary in Virginia, graduating in 1953. There she met and married Hardy D. Cofer, and had 3 children: Robert (Rob) Lester Cofer, John (Jack) Stuart Cofer, and Susan (Sue) Davis Cofer. Hardy left the family shortly after Sue was born and Ruth immediately set to work providing the best life possible for her children. Being a single mom was hard, but Ruth rose above all obstacles, putting her qualities to work, accomplishing many things most people only dream of. She used her ingenuity to pick up programming skills at work at IBM when computers were first introduced, and ended up teaching computer skills to others at work. Eventually she landed her dream job as an analyst for Merck Research Labs, where she had the opportunity to see the world on various work trips, enjoying traveling throughout the rest of her life.

As her children got older and more independent, Ruth started rebuilding her own life. She remained active in her church, Abington Presbyterian, becoming both a deacon and elder, serving on many committees, singing in the choir, and playing handbells. She joined and sang with Savoy of Philadelphia, a charity group that produced Gilbert and Sullivan operettas at the Philadelphia Academy of Music, Longwood Gardens, and Cornwall, England – all profits going to local charities. She has been very active with PEO, a charity group that raises money for women's education. Her work with Merck led her to live in Paris and in Brussels, for about 2 years each.

When Ruth returned to the States, her most cherished life adventure began: she met and married John B. Draper, Jr., soon to be known as Mr. Perfect. They lived together in Ft. Washington, PA, and enjoyed a full and fun life together. They traveled all around the world and had lots of rich and unique experiences. They socialized regularly with dear friends. And, again, most important was spending time with family: John brought two (2) more sons and 2 daughters (in law) into Ruth's life.

Here is Ruth's family:

Rob Cofer, married to Vicky Cofer: grandchildren Ikaika and Kalei; great grandchildren Hoku and Kane.

Jack Cofer, married to Brenda Cofer: grandchildren Laura (deceased), Heather, and Krystal; great grandchildren Haley, Bradley, and Rebecca.

Sue Cofer, married (divorced) to Dan Haas: grandchildren William and Russell; great grandchildren Eliza, Oliver, Jojo, and Adley. Sue's current partner is Ellen Underkoffler.

Jeff Draper, married to Sue Draper: grandchild Rachel, USAF Meteorologist, A1C

Bruce Thompson, married to Phoebe Everson: grandchildren Ben and Josh; great grandchildren Rebecca, Melissa, Arianna and Theianyx.

John passed away in 2015. Shortly after, Ruth moved away from the Philadelphia area, where she had lived for over 60 years. She first lived in Reno, NV with Rob, and then with Sue in the Kansas City area. Her last move was to John Knox Village in Lee's Summit, where she thoroughly enjoyed the love, caring and companionship of her hallmates; she passed away in the Village Care Center there, surrounded by the love of God, family and friends.

Service to honor Ruth's life will be held in the main sanctuary at Village Presbyterian Church on Friday, June 26 at 2:00 PM, reception to follow. If you would like to attend the service on-line, go to villagepres.org and look in the worship services tab.   A small graveside service will be held at Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill, PA on Tuesday, June 30 at 2:00 PM.

When you remember Ruth, please smile, and enjoy life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following in Ruth's honor:

Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS 66208

PEO Chapter LS, care of Sue Evans, 3601 E 96th St, Kansas City, MO 64137.