Diane K. Draves

Diane Draves ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Rivertown Funeral Chapel (Ramsay FH Group) on Mar. 17, 2026.Diane Kay Draves (82) passed away peacefully at her home on March 15, 2026. She wasborn on January 24, 1944, and spent her entire life in Bay City, Michigan, living along theKawkawlin River-her happy place.Diane was born to Arthur and Nona (Sharp) Curtice. She married the love of her life,Richard Allen Draves. High school sweethearts (T.L. Handy), they were united in marriageon January 11, 1962, and shared many loving years together until Richard's passing.Diane began her career at Mercy Hospital as a nurse's aide. After becoming a mother, shechose to stay home to raise her daughters, dedicating herself fully to her family. She wasdeeply involved in their schools and sports, known as the volunteer parent everyone loved.Whether cheering from the sidelines or helping behind the scenes, Diane was always there.As her children grew older, Diane returned to the workforce and spent 20 years with BayMetro Transit as an aide for individuals with disabilities. In addition, she devoted anincredible 45 years volunteering with Horsemanship for the Handicapped. Whether beingon the bus or assisting children on horseback, she cherished every moment and formedspecial, lasting bonds with the children she served.Family meant everything to Diane. She loved spending time with them on birthdays andholidays. She shared an especially close bond with her grandchildren, delighting in girls'shopping trips, casino outings, and boat rides with the guys. When her great-grandchildrenarrived, she was over the moon, often expressing how blessed she felt to be able to meetand love them. Diane took great pride in her home and yard, especially her beautiful flower gardens. Shealso had a deep love for animals and was affectionately known as the "Crazy Cat Lady"-atitle she wore with laughter and pride. She had a special dog named Babe, whom shetrained as a certified therapy dog. Together, they visited nursing homes, bringing comfortand joy to others. Diane always thought of those around her.Diane is survived by her daughters, Darbi (Dave) Bishop and Deb (Gordon) Sova; hergrandchildren, Zack (Greyson) Bishop, Austin (Tiffanie) Sova, Kayli (Jordan) Sova, andNicole (Noah) Hill; and her great-grandchildren, Ashlynn and Addison Sova, Nevaeh,Noah and Nova Hill. She is also survived by her brother, Dennis (Jan) Curtice, along withmany beloved nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, Nona (Sharp) Curtice (1960) and ArthurCurtice (1962); her son, Darin Draves, (May 25,1965); her husband, Richard Draves(August 7, 1997); and her special godson, Bill Julian (November 13, 2021).Diane will be remembered for her kindness, devotion to family, love of animals, and alifetime of service to others.Funeral service will be on Thursday March 19, 2026 at 7pm at Rivertown Funeral Chapelwith Pastor Charlie Campbell presiding with burial at Floral Gardens Cemetery. Visitation willbe Thursday 2pm till time of service at Rivertown Funeral Chapel.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.