Memorial

On March 17, 2020 Diana Kay Chavez (Draper) was received in heaven to be with God after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.  

On July 16, 1945 Diana was born to James and Thelma (Venator) Draper of Ottumwa, Iowa.  In 1963 she married Jesse M. Chavez and they raised three children, son Bryan McConnell, two daughters Christal Henderson (Jeff Henderson), Sonya Payne (David Payne).  

Diana was preceded in death by her parents Thelma and James Draper, her husband of 56 years Jesse Chavez, a half-brother CJ Davis of Ottumwa, two brothers Denny Draper of Ottumwa, David Draper of Eagle Rock, Missouri; a half sister Mary Ellen Cooper of Ottumwa, Iowa. 

Surviving are two sisters Sandy Findley of Ottumwa, Iowa and Cindy Colby of Whitehall, Wisconsin.  

Diana enjoyed being with her 4 grandchildren Kalissa Krapfl (Adam Krapfl) of Hampton, Iowa.  Brandon Overman (Jena) of Dewitt, Iowa; Jesse Overman (Madeline Lyons) and Nikki Payne of Anamosa, Iowa.  Diana has 4 great grandchildren Mason Kelm and Kinnick Krapfl, Maddox Krapfl, and Theodore Krapfl.  Diana enjoyed being outside with family and in the garden with her husband Jesse.  She was proud of her Irish ancestry and loved St. Patrick’s Day.  Diana loved quilting and sewing and crafting.  

Diana had a giving spirit and she gave to many charitable programs.  She will be so dearly missed by all who loved her.  

A special thank you to Pam Hansen and the staff at Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha.