Teresa Lynn (Ruckman) Draper

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Teresa Lynn Draper of Fairfield, IL.  She passed away on December 19 at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville.  Teresa was 68 years old.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband and best friend of 21 years, George; brothers Richard (Barbara) of Bluford and Fred (Jan) of Edwardsville, sister Cindy McGee of Bluford; sister-in-law Linda Hodges of Fairfield; 8 nieces and nephews; and by many special friends.

Teresa was born at Fairfield Memorial Hospital on March 14, 1954.  She attended schools in Grayville and Fairfield, graduating from FCHS in 1972.  She was a member of the high school band and was proud to become First Chair of the flute section.

On December 15, 2001 she married the love of her life, George Draper, son of the late George and Joyce Draper of Fairfield.  Together they enjoyed drives in the country, eating out, singing and Christmas caroling together, gospel music concerts, Gunsmoke, and their pet cats.  But most of all, they shared their Christian faith, praying every day for those in need.  Teresa and George were members of Fairfield First Christian Church, with George being a life-long member.

Following her graduation from FCHS, Teresa began a long career of work in the offices of Airtex, Freeman Coal, Mike Adkins Ministries and Southern Illinois Lumber Company.  She always looked forward to coming home to her cats (her children), and leaves to George's care their beloved cat Mersadie.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents Forrest and Anna Lee Ruckman of Fairfield.  Forrest was a meatcutter at Grayville Red & White, Holstein's Market, A&P, and Vaughn's IGA.  Anna Lee was a natural at caring and cooking for the family.  They both were active members of the First Baptist Church, raising their children in the church and quietly leading by example.

Memorial services will be held on December 28th at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home.  Visitation will be from 11 to noon with funeral at noon.  Her ashes will be buried in Maple Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial Donations may be made in Teresa's name to the First Christian Church or First Baptist Church of Fairfield and will be accepted at the funeral home.  

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville for their care and compassion over the past several weeks, and to Pastor Craig Scott for his frequent visits to the hospital during Teresa's stay.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Teresa Lynn (Ruckman) Draper, please visit our floral store.