Frances Marie Draves, 76, passed away peacefully at home on February 12th, 2025. In her final moments she was surrounded by her family after a long and hard-fought battle against cancer. Frances was born August 24th, 1948 in Rifle, Colorado. She spent her childhood in Denver and Rifle. She graduated from East High School in 1966. In the early 1970s she moved to Delta, Colorado where she raised her daughters, Richelle and Elizabeth. Frances married the love of her life, Edward Draves, in August of 1989. Their marriage added Ed’s children, Mike and Jana, to her beloved family. They lived a few years in Nucla, Colorado before relocating to Alamosa in 1997. Frances and Ed had thirty-five amazing years of unconditional love and great adventures.
Frances was a loving, caring, supportive wife, mother, grandmother, Gigi, daughter, sister, and friend. She was always willing to help anyone that she could. She loved being with friends and loved ones, especially her grandkids. Frances enjoyed camping and fishing with those close to her heart. She shared many special memories with Ed chasing the next big catch and enjoying the mountains together. Frances was a talented seamstress whose hands created thousands of garments over the years with love in every stitch. Her loved ones were always adorned with beautiful hats, scarves, and blankets that she had skillfully crocheted. She was an avid reader who loved the endless and wondrous adventures she found within the pages of books. Frances shared her love of swimming through volunteering to help young kids learn how to swim in Delta. She always welcomed her children’s friends as her own.
Frances was proceeded in death by her parents Lucy and Oscar Crabtree, sister Katherine Kribs, son-in-law Mick Fry, and sister-in-law Cathy Crabtree. She is survived by her loving husband Ed, children Richelle Fry, Elizabeth (Michael) Quintana, Michael Draves, and Jana (Israel) Vasquez. Grandchildren Dustin Meek, Ashley Meek, James (Reanna) Fry, Abigail Garcia, Amada Quintana, Ian Quintana, Rene Draves, Jeffery Draves, Haylie Rivas, Alyzabeth Vasquez, Israel Jr. Vasquez, and Wilson Vasquez. Great-grandchildren Natalie, Nayalise, Nykole, Lukas, Noah, Bellamy, Amelia, Seraphina, and Dahlia. Brother James Crabtree, nieces Karen (Don) Johnson, Yvonne Prince, Christina (Mike) Likely, and nephew Christopher Prince. Her honorary daughter Portia (Josh) Vigil.
Frances is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her loved ones. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
