Jessie Mae Drumeller

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Jessie Mae (Nitcher) Drumeller, age 92, who gracefully entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 10, 2024.

Jessie's journey began on April 13, 1931, in Lane, Kansas, where she was welcomed into the loving arms of her parents, Jesse and Irene (Duncan) Nitcher. Graduating from Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville, Kansas, in 1949, she embarked on a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Jessie's father was deeply involved in construction, which led the family to traverse the country, forging meaningful connections in every place they called home. Tennessee and San Francisco held a special place in her heart.

On February 24, 1951, Jessie exchanged vows with her devoted husband, William Drumeller, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Together, they carved out a life rich in love and companionship for an incredible 70 years. Bill was not only her partner but her best friend, always there to tease her lovingly and share in life's joys and sorrows.

Throughout her journey, Jessie dedicated herself to her family and community. She nurtured a beautiful family of five children: Cheryl and Buddy Dodson of Cherryvale, Kansas, Kathy and Bryan Read of Cherryvale, Kansas, Dick and Lisa Drumeller of Independence, Kansas, Mark and Nancy Drumeller of Independence, Kansas, and Sandy and Jeff Goins of Cleora, Oklahoma. Jessie's heart overflowed with pride and joy as she watched her family grow, encompassing 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Her warmth extended beyond her immediate family, embracing countless friends and acquaintances with her infectious laughter and genuine kindness. Jessie's home was a haven of love and hospitality, where everyone felt welcomed and cherished. She delighted in gathering her loved ones at the lake house in Oklahoma, where she enjoyed fishing and heartfelt conversations on the patio, surrounded by her extended Oklahoma family.

Jessie had a vibrant spirit that shone through in everything she did. Whether she was enjoying a round of golf, bowling with friends, cooking up tasty meals, passionately cheering for her favorite teams on TV, or playing pitch with friends, she embraced each moment with genuine enthusiasm and joy.

Her generous spirit extended beyond her family and hobbies; she dedicated many years to the Cherryvale Elks Lodge, leaving an indelible mark on her community.

Jessie's legacy will forever echo through the cherished memories she leaves behind. While we mourn her passing, we find solace in knowing that she has been reunited with her beloved husband, Bill Drumeller, parents, Jesse and Irene Nitcher, her sister Maxine Duncan, and her granddaughters, Shannon Dodson-Jordan and Hannah Drumeller, in the eternal embrace of heaven.

A celebration of Jessie's life will be held on February 14, 2024, at Fairview Cemetery in Cherryvale, Kansas, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crystalbrook Church, PO Box 187, Independence, Kansas, 67301. Services are entrusted to Potts Chapel of Cherryvale.

Jessie's presence in our lives was a gift beyond measure, and her memory will continue to illuminate our hearts forevermore.