Joyce L. (Simoncic) Draper

Joyce L. Draper, 77, of Pittsburg, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Comfort Care Homes in Pittsburg, KS.

She was born July 16, 1948 in Pittsburg, KS, the daughter of Rudolph N. “Rudy” and Rose M. (Senechal) Simoncic. She graduated from St. Mary’s high school in 1966 and graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education.

On November 10, 1967, she was united in marriage to Barry D. Draper at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg, KS.

Mrs. Draper taught school in Altamont, KS for a short time, but later enjoyed being a homemaker.

Membership was held in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and PEO Chapter AQ.

In addition to her husband, Barry, she is survived by a son, Rudy Draper (Christy) of Coffeyville, KS; two daughters, Serra Draper of Arvada, CO and Julie Baker (Matt) of Pittsburg, KS; sister, Sharon “Sherry” Thompson of Pittsburg, KS; and nine grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kaitlyn, Cecilia, Daisy, Ryder, Storie, Hardy, Barrie, and Banks.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jon Simoncic.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. Tuesday (Nov. 18) at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg, KS. The rosary will be prayed at 9:40 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m., with Fr. Mike Simone as the celebrant. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.  Memorial donations can be made to Barry & Joyce Draper Athletic Scholarship at PSU and/or Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Fund. Donations may be left in care of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS. 

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