Wilma B. Draft's Obituary
On Thursday, February 23, 2012, Wilma B. Draft moved from life, through death, into life eternal. Wilma was born March 15, 1918, in Grand Valley, Michigan, growing up on her parents’ farm as one of five children and the only girl. She assisted her mother in preparing meals for farm workers, learning unique kitchen tricks such as how to fry an entire pound of bacon at once in a single frying pan (“just keep moving it around.”). Her mother raised chickens and sold eggs in order that Wilma could have piano lessons, thus creating in Wilma a lifelong love of piano music. She taught piano lessons to many young people in the Spring Lake/Grand Haven area and continued to play the piano for her own enjoyment most of the rest of her life. On December 20, 1940, Wilma married Howard Draft and they moved to Spring Lake. In 1949 they built their permanent home in Spring Lake, providing much of the labor themselves, and moving in with no mortgage. They were blessed with 66 years together, during which they were active members of Christ Community Church, serving in many capacities. They both loved to sing and both sang in the Church choir. As the church grew in numbers, Wilma was proud of her ability to organize the menu and workers for church suppers, always using the rule of “one potato per person and one for the pot.”
Wilma and Howard raised three children, all of whom survive her: Roger (Marcia) Draft, Tom (Susan) Draft, and Linda Draft. Also surviving are her grandchildren; Denise (Dirk) Stone, Darcy (Brian) Walsh, Tim Draft, Derek (Heidi) Draft and Karla (Mike) Rosenman, eight great-grandchildren, one brother, Gordon (Irene) Hart of Grand Rapids, one sister-in-law, Phyllis Hart, of Florida, and special family friend, Cindy Ruffert.
Other than her family, Wilma’s great love and passion was quilting. Tuesday was quilting day at Christ Community Church and was the highlight of each week. For many years she and other quilters provided quilting services, earning funds for special needs at the church while having a great time together. Most other days of the week found Wilma in her basement quilting room, surrounded by her quilting “sticks”, her sewing machine, and stacks of fabric waiting to be turned into beautiful creations for children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. The family expresses appreciation to the Christ Community quilters for the joy and continuing friendship they brought to Wilma’s life.
Following Howard’s death in 2007, Wilma moved to Freedom Village in Holland, Michigan, where she lived in her own apartment and eventually to assisted living at The Inn at Freedom Village, where she spent the last five months. The family expresses gratitude to the nurses and aides for the loving care they provided to her, and also to Hospice of Holland for their attention during her final days.
The service celebrating Wilma’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 27, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home, 620 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, Michigan with Rev. Richard Rhem officiating. Friends may meet the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. Monday until the time of the service and again after the service in the Family Center at the funeral home, where a luncheon will be served. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider the charitable Howard and Wilma Draft Family Fund at Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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