Lauritta "Ritta" Kay Draffen

Lauritta Kay Draffen, 75, of Tipton, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025, at her home.

Ritta was born on October 11, 1949, in Reading, KS, a daughter of Glen and Patricia (Ford) Williams. On January 11, 1997, at First Baptist Church in California, MO, she married George “Sonny” Draffen, Jr. who preceded her in death on March 24, 2016.

Ritta devoted her life to caring for others and cherishing the simple joys that made her happiest. She began her career at Stride Rite before pursuing her true calling as a nurse, serving for many years with Jefferson City Medical Group. Her compassion, dedication, and gentle spirit touched countless lives throughout her nursing career.

Ritta’s life reflected her values of kindness, hard work, and love for family. She enjoyed the peaceful moments of mowing her yard, reading a good book, fishing on a quiet day, and watching hummingbirds dance in the air. She also loved bowling and taking memorable trips to Florida.

Ritta shared many adventures with her beloved husband, George, including scenic motorcycle rides and the thrill of watching NASCAR races together at the Kansas Speedway. She also cleaned at Something Sassy Beauty Salon in California, Missouri, where she took pride in keeping things sparkling clean and treasured the friendships she made with her “Something Sassy girls.”

Above all, Ritta’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be treasured for generations. She also enjoyed her time attending the yearly family reunions in Emporia, KS. Ritta’s laughter, warmth, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew her.

Survivors include her son, Robbie Brown (Kim) of Tipton; siblings, Chuck Williams of Barnett, MO, Judy Kilmer (Harvey) of California, MO; grandchildren, Alicia Witt (Jared) of Tipton, Jesse Brown (Ashley) of California, MO, Dakota Armer of Moberly, Amanda Dobbs of Alabama; great-grandchildren, Brayden, Mason, Wesley, Kamden, Nevaeh, Kai, Braden, Braxton, Breelyn, Wyatt, and Ryland; and all her Draffen family.

In addition to both of her parents and her husband she was preceded in death by one brother, Bob Williams; father and mother-in-law, George and Lillian Draffen; one brother-in-law, Harold Draffen; two nephews, Jon Williams, and Charlie Holder.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Meisenheimer-Page-Dady Funeral Home in Tipton. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m., noon, on Saturday at the funeral home with burial to follow in St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Special Learning Center in Jefferson City, MO.