April 6, 1927 ~ June 20,2013
Zola G Higgs Draper, 86, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend passed away June 20, 2013 in Azusa, California surrounded by love. Zola was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 6, 1927 to Amy Francis Elizabeth Gill and Alpha Jedde Higgs. She grew up in Salt Lake City and attended West and South High. Zola overcame many trials and was energetic, fiery, and full of life. She especially loved to go dancing, attending many dances in her youth. In junior high school, she met her best friend and love of 65 years, Willard (Bill) Dorman Draper. They were married January 18, 1947 and were later sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.
In 1964, Zola moved with her family to Santa Barbara, California where they lived for 48 years. She was active in her community, working as a waitress, a bank teller, a book keeper, and an accountant. She was a talented seamstress, spending many nights sewing clothing for her children. Zola loved to travel, especially to spend time with family, and was supportive and encouraging to many lifelong friends. She was faithful and devoted to the Lord and served in multiple positions of service and leadership for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Zola's enthusiasm for life was only exceeded by her dedication to her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. Her family was her greatest love. Zola walked the Goleta Beach pier in Santa Barbara nearly every day. She loved the ocean and especially enjoyed watching the dolphins and seals. We will forever treasure the warm memories we share of walking there with her and will always be grateful for the time on earth she spent walking with us. Her strong embrace, proud approval, and deep expressions of love to each of us will forever echo in our hearts.
Zola is survived by her six children and their spouses - Marjorie Baggett (Van, deceased), Davie, FL; Virginia Robinson (Dean), Mesa, AZ; David Draper (Debbie), New Market, MD; Dorothy Epperson (Bruce), Upland, CA; Mary Jo Bradler (Bob), Denver, CO; Willard Draper (Kristin), Stevensons Ranch, CA; twenty-five grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren, and her sisters - Melba Wayman, Connie Blosch, and Monda Lund. Zola was preceded in death by her parents, her brother - Sharon Higgs, and eight months earlier by her husband - Bill. Though our hearts are broken, we are comforted to know that they are holding each other once again and forever.
Family and friends will gather Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy UT 84092 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, with a service immediately following. Internment at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com




Published in Salt Lake Tribune on June 23, 2013