Born: Sunday Oct-17-1943
Died: Thursday Jul-17-2025
Funeral: Saturday Aug-30-2025

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Susan Marie Besswanger Draper
October 17, 1943 – July 17, 2025
Susan Marie Besswanger Draper passed away on July 17, 2025, in Rupert, Idaho, at
the age of 81. She passed peacefully in the care of Autumn Haven, with her family by
her side.
Susan was born on October 17, 1943, in Olympia, Washington, to Florence Gardner
and Eugene Besswanger. She grew up in the remote, high desert towns of Current
Creek and Lund, Nevada, where she learned resilience early and carried it with her for
the rest of her life. She graduated from Minico High School in 1961, and later made her
home in Heyburn, Idaho where she lived for decades in the same home where she
raised her children and watched her granddaughters grow. She did it all on her own,
building a life and holding her ground with no one beside her but grit and
determination. 
She worked for many years at Ore-Ida Foods (later McCain Foods), where she built
lifelong friendships and was known for her work ethic, sharp tongue, and dry sense of
humor. She retired in 2010, but never lost her fondness for routine: the morning paper,
a crossword puzzle, the television news always on in the background, and a steady
parade of cats keeping her company in the carport.
Susan was fiercely independent and unyieldingly private. She lived life on her own
terms, through hardship and joy alike. She had a stubborn streak that ran deep, one
that some might have even called defiant. She might have agreed with both, though
she’d have rolled her eyes while doing it. She also had a soft spot, though well-
guarded, for her family, her friends, and the many stray cats that found shelter with her
over the years.
She is survived by her daughters, Nicole (Julio) Luna and Staci Hoyt; her
granddaughters, Ashley Luna, Kirsten Luna, and Halle Luna; and her sister, Dana
Besswanger. She was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Eugene; her
sister Jackie Besswanger; and her son, James Draper.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Autumn Haven and the
hospice team whose care, kindness, and steady presence made her final days more
peaceful.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday August 30th at 11:00 a.m. at Morrison
Funeral Home located on 188 South Highway 24 in Rupert, Idaho.
May your spirit soar in peace.

Condolences:

I remember all.the fun times we had working .together at the plant. Lot's of fun memories celebrating Birthday 's and practical jokes on each other.She was hard worker and was very proud of her children and their accomplishments. She will be missed and never forgotten. Fly high with thr angels you are with your loved ones now. Marjorie Jensen

I am so very sorry to see this. My thought and prayers are with you all. May you rest in peace Susan....Rachael Silvaz

Met Susan at Curves. She worked out regularly never missing her time or days. She always had a smile on and a complaint at the same time. That was her kind of sense of humor. We had a lot of fun. My condolences to her family my sympathy goes out to them. Ann Marion