In Memory of Susan Drey

Susan K. Drey, age 81, of Ida Grove, Iowa, took her Lord and Saviors hand on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center of Sioux City, Iowa, surrounded by her loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 08, 2024, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Father William A. McCarthy will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:45 p.m., on Tuesday, May 07, 2024, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, Iowa.  

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Susan K. Drey, the daughter of Edmund and Phyllis (Cranston) Bengford, was welcomed into the world on October 29, 1942, in Carroll, Iowa. She grew up on the farm north of Odebolt, Iowa, and graduated with the class of 1961, from Odebolt High School.

On June 3, 1961, Susan married the love of her life Raymond F. Drey in the St. Martin’s Catholic Church of Odebolt. The couple made their home north of Odebolt and began farming. Susan and Ray welcomed four children Annette, Debbie, Mark, and Kristi.

In the winter of 1967, the couple purchased the Crane farm outside of Ida Grove, Iowa, where they continued farming and raising their children. Susan was always a happy homemaker and farm wife. She enjoyed caring for her flower beds, garden, yard, and keeping up with the painting around the farm. She also enjoyed a clean home and crafting.

After her children were grown, Susan began working outside of the home and became a florist. Even up until recently she would delight in designing floral arrangements in her nursing home room.

Susan was a devoted and faithful member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove. She lent her talents as a 4-H leader for the Silverettes, was an advisor on the Ida Area Youth for Life for 14 years, served as a Lay Carmelite, and was active in her neighborhood club of ladies.  

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of nearly 63 years, Raymond Drey of Ida Grove, IA; children: Annette (Mike) Lorenzen of Missouri Valley, IA, Debbie (Dave) Joslin of Galva, IA, Mark (Bridget) Drey of Ida Grove, IA, and Kristi (Robert) Paulsen of Mapleton, IA; 15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren with 3 on the way; brother Pat Bengford of Sioux City, IA; brother-in-law John Higgins of Spencer, IA; extended family and friends.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents Edmund and Phyllis Bengford; in laws Alvin and Tillie Drey; sister Diane Higgins; nephews Tim and Paul Higgins; and extended family.