Ruth Anne Wood Draper, the daughter of George and Hazel Kirk Wood, was born March 19, 1916 in Red Oak, Iowa. She passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 91 years, 9 months and 24 days. Ruth Anne was raised in Red Oak, and graduated from Red Oak High School in l934. She attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa where she earned a Music Degree. Following graduation, Ruth Anne managed the music department for Younkers' Department Store, Des Moines, IA for several years. She returned to Red Oak, and on July 12, 1946 was united in marriage to Carleton T. Draper. Two sons were born to Carleton and Ruth Anne, Thomas Randall Draper in 1947 and Howard Wood Draper in 1952. Ruth Anne and the family enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing. Ruth Anne's adventurous side even led her to obtaining her pilots' license. In 1955, they moved to Blair, Nebraska where they lived until 1965. During this time, Ruth Anne served on the founding board of the Blair, NE Recreation Commission. Upon returning to Red Oak, Ruth Anne and Carleton quickly became community leaders. Throughout the past 43 years, Ruth Anne was a member and supported many clubs and organizations such as the Red Oak Chamber of Commerce, Republican Women, Monday Club, and the Book and Study Club. Ruth Anne loved young people and had a way of connecting with them, even mentoring several. Ruth Anne held a special fondness for the Boy Scouts of America. She passed on her love for music to many students as their piano teacher and was a member of the Piano Teachers' Association. She was a "history buff" and enjoyed researching Red Oak and Montgomery County history along with antiques. She was a member of Questors and the Red Oak Historical Preservation Committee. Ruth Anne was a faithful member of the First Congregational Church of Red Oak, serving in many capacities. Ruth Anne and Carleton treasured their family and friends. Three loyal and protective members of their family for many years were their bulldogs: Sarge, Bonnie, and Beau. Ruth Anne's love of music was evident as she took great pleasure in attending the opera for many years. She also enjoyed tennis, golf, and swimming. Preceding Ruth Anne in death were her parents; husband Carleton on January 21, 1995; sons: Thomas Randall Draper on July 1, 1968 and Howard Wood Draper on November 2, 1952; brother: John Kirk Wood; and nephew: Kirk Wood. Ruth Anne is survived by nieces and nephews: Carolyn Mills and husband Bill of Santee, CA; Margaret Moran and husband Charles of CO; Stephen Wood and wife Karen of Greenville, SC; and Mary Jane Proffer and husband Jim of Seattle, WA; close friends: Ron and Kristi Schneider of Wichita, KS; Tom and Ann Iverson of Red Oak, IA, along with numerable friends. May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. First Congregational Church, Red Oak Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak Rev. Elizabeth Dilley, Officiating Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening, January 15 at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Memorials made be made to the Thomas Randall Draper Scholarship Foundation, Red Oak Fire & Rescue Association or First Congregational Church Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.