Elba Iris Drawyer

Elba was born in Camuy, Puerto Rico, on February 8, 1941, a daughter of the late Juan Nieves Acevedo and Petra C. Crespo Gonzales. She was the wife of Ronald Drawyer, with whom she shared 35 years of marriage. She devoted herself to his care around the clock in their home while he was battling cancer until he passed away.

Along with being a wife and mother, Elba worked in medical supplies as a civilian on several Air Force bases throughout her career history. She retired as a Supervisory Trainer at Nellis Air Force Base.

What Elba can be most remembered for was her devotion to her husband, children, granddaughter, and great grandson. This commitment to family has encouraged them to remain very close throughout her entire life; not only an emotional bond but in physical proximity. They were a family unit that spent all of their time together throughout her life.

Elba was an extremely dedicated worker; she worked hard all of her life until retirement as work always gave her a sense of purpose and routine. She prided herself on her work ethic. After a long days work, she liked to come home, kick her feet up and watch her favorite Novella with a vodka and grapefruit cocktail beside her.

Elba was a fiercely independent woman, who didn't subscribe to her identity revolving around a man. She was up early and out of the house always on the go most of her life. She had a great sense of humor and was a very positive individual. Her motto was life is what you make it, and you can't dwell on your problems, just keep pushing on.

Elba enjoyed everything the Las Vegas lifestyle had to offer, as she frequently played bingo, keno, blackjack and the occasional slot machine.

Elba was a devout Catholic, who prayed the rosary every day up until her passing. She was always available to give her children, granddaughter, and their friends support during challenging times and she would always keep them on her prayer line.

Elba is survived by her daughter, Leanna Koca; her son, Patrick Drawyer; her granddaughter, Marlisa Polit; and her grandson, Dominic Barron. Her sisters, Carmen Moore, Dalila Morey and Norma Nieves; and her brother, Benjamin Nieves, and their children.