DRAUDT, Frances Elizabeth

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Monday, August 18, 2008 Frances Elizabeth Emick Draudt passed away Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, in Glendale. She was born Oct. 25, 1917, in Columbus, Ohio. She was the fifth of seven children of Bert and Iscah Emick. In 1935 Frances graduated from South High School in Columbus where she had studied business courses. On Aug. 16, 1941, she married Robert C. Draudt. Following WWII, Frances and Robert settled in Grove City, Ohio with their eldest child Jeffrey. Their three daughters: Jane, Virginia and Marcia joined the family and Frances was busy as a homemaker and an active PTA member. In 1971, Robert, Frances and their two youngest daughters moved to the desert community of Lake Havasu City. Frances worked at the English Village along with helping her husband establish H & R Block offices in Lake Havasu City and other cities along the Colorado River. Lake Havasu City soon became home and Frances was active in bowling leagues, bridge clubs, The Elks Club and The Yacht Club. She will be remembered as a good wife, mother, friend and neighbor by all who knew her. Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Robert; her six siblings; and her dear companion of eight years, Estel "Beau" Collins. She is survived by her children, Jeffrey Draudt, of Glendale, Jane Townsend, of Big Oak Flat, Calif., Virginia Matt, of Holmen, Wis., and Marcia Foley, of Arapahoe, Neb.; along with nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A family memorial service will be held in Phoenix today. There will be a memorial service at the Lake Havasu Yacht Club in October. The date and time will be announced.