Riley 1941 Louise (Vitale) Draves

April 27, 1923 - June 24, 2016

SOUTH BEND - Louise Draves, 93, of South Bend, formerly of Niles, passed away Friday, June 24, 2016, in her residence. Louise was born April 27, 1923, in South Bend, to the late Nazzerno and Lillian (Martino) Vitale. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Deborah Denise Davis; two sisters, Virginia Moore and Rosemary Vitale; and brother, Eugene Vitale. On June 5, 1943, in South Bend, Louise Vitale married Wesley Draves, her husband of 67 years, who passed away December 28, 2009. Louise is survived by her son, Gregory Allen (Shirley) Draves of South Bend; four grandchildren, Timothy Short of Niles, Anthony Short of Paw Paw, MI, Darren Short of Niles and Gregory (Linda) Draves Jr. of Inwood, West Virginia; six great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was a 1941 graduate of Riley High School, where she ran track. Louise had worked at Bendix Corporation for 40 years, retiring in 1985. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Niles, MI, and the “Red Hat” club. Louise enjoyed gardening, reading, and cooking, especially her secret recipe for spaghetti and meatballs, which will never be duplicated. The family would like to extend a special thank you to The Center for Hospice, Northwood Village, and a very special niece, Suzie Kyle, for all their care, love, and support for Louise and her family. Funeral services will be held 12 noon Tuesday, June 28th, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1340 Sycamore Street, Niles, MI 49120. Pastor Joe Liss will officiate. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services at church on Tuesday. Entombment will follow at Riverview Cemetery. In Louise's memory, contributions may be made to The Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home assisted with arrangements. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Comfort

In everybody's garden

A little rain must fall

Or life's sweetest fairest flowers,

Wouldn't grow and bloom at all.

And though the clouds hang heavy

So heavy. Oh! My friend.

I'm sure that God who sends the shower

Will send the rainbow's end.

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