Amanda Lea Draves

Amanda Lea Draves, 37, passed peacefully surrounded by family on July 27th, 2024, in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born on April 11th, 1987, to Daniel Draves and Beverly Kaiser (Christensen) in Kansas City, Kansas. Amanda grew up in Merriam, Kansas, and graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School. She went on to work at a variety of jobs but found her place and was a dedicated manager at Arby’s, where she made many friends.

Amanda was always the brightest, most sparkling person in any room, and excelled at making everyone feel welcome and loved. She was always excited to host get-togethers, especially at the park, where water balloons were always a part of the game plan. Her love of cooking meant no one ever went hungry and even the simplest dishes were always extra special when she made them. She also loved reading, bowling, and cheering on the Royals.

Amanda was generous with her time and would always be the first to help someone in need.She was an animal lover, always wanting to pet every dog she came across. She loved camping and country music and could always be counted on to make you the best s’mores. She loved life to the fullest and her huge smile always showed just how much fun she was having. Family was the most important thing to her. She fiercely protected her kids and family and went above and beyond daily to prove how much she loved us all. The world is so much quieter and sadder without her here.

Amanda was preceded in death by her grandmother, Colleen Campbell and grandfather, Russell Christensen, who she loved very dearly. She is survived by her parents, Daniel Draves and Beverly Kaiser, children Kylie Jade Land and Giovanni Matthew Land, sisters Jennifer (John) Fultz, Tiffany (Robert) Anderson, Sarha (Joe) Bailey, Tabitha Kaiser, Stormy Kaiser, and brother Justin (Laura) Draves along with beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. We take comfort in knowing she has been reunited with loved ones, friends, and beloved pets in heaven and will be waiting for us all someday with a huge smile and a hug.

A celebration of life for Amanda will be on August 24th at 1:00 p.m. at Shawnee Mission Park, Shelter 12 - burnt hot dogs will be served in her honor (along with other food and beverages). Come as you are and celebrate her in the way that she would have loved.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity that was close to her heart - Mid-America Bully Breed Rescue - www.mabbr.org or P.O. Box 410233 Kansas City, MO 64141.