Elesha Draeger

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Elesha Brooke (Allen) Draeger, 48, Columbus, passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Oswego Health and Rehab in Oswego following an illness.

Born September 2, 1977, in Pittsburg to Fred and Molly M. Allen, Elesha was a very smart, caring individual with a passion for her work, putting in countless hours of research and planning development to improve her patients’ health and quality of life. She had a love for life, her family, and enjoying her free time.

Benjamin R. Draeger and Elesha Allen were united in marriage, November 29, 1997, at the Presbyterian Church in Scammon. Their 28-year marriage produced two great children.

Elesha was the Salutatorian for the Columbus Unified High School Class of 1996. She continued her education at Pittsburg State University’s Nursing Program where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1999 and completed her master’s degree in 2005, graduating as a nurse practitioner.

Upon graduation, she worked in many different aspects of the medical field ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics. Early in her career she briefly worked as a traveling nurse. She served in several rural hospitals including Mt. Caramel in Pittsburg, Freeman and St. John’s Hospitals in Joplin, Southwest City, Mo. Rural Health Clinic, Cherryvale Health Clinic, and Oswego Hospital. She spent her final seven years fulfilling her dream of owning and operating her own clinic, Catalyst Wellness in Oswego.

Elesha was a member of the Center Christian Church in Columbus since the 1990’s. She was an organizer, educator, and camp nurse for Camp Cortisol located in Children’s Harbor in Alexander City, Ala. on Lake Martin. Camp Cortisol is a camp for families of patients with a rare form of Adrenal Insufficiency; a medical condition that Elesha was born with. She helped give education, treatment and hope to many families that were affected by the condition.

She loved to be active and competed with many different running groups like Rufus Racing and Joplin Roadrunners. She completed half-marathons, triathlons, 10K’s and 5K’s giving hope to others who suffered with the same condition, showing that they could be successful and live a normal life with proper care and treatment.

Elesha loved being challenged with successfully thinking outside the box when it came to certain medical treatments for patients who couldn’t find care providers. Having a soft spot for animals, she created a policy for Pet Therapy for a hospital.

She loved beach therapy and traveling to warm climates, particularly loved the ocean, whether on the beach or scuba diving.

Elesha was preceded in death by her father, Fred Allen; father-in-law, Richard “Rick” Draeger; paternal grandparents, James and Helen (Hisle) Allen; and maternal grandparents, Robert and Bonnie Jo Kieselbach.

She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Ben R. Draeger; son, Cameron Draeger and daughter, Katelyn M. Draeger of the home. Mother-in-Law, Janet Draeger, Columbus; mother, Molly M. Allen (Robert), Trenton, Mo.; brother, Blake Allen of Colorado; brother-in-law, Scott Draeger (Becky), Neosho, Mo.; aunt, Carole Sue Thornton (Benny); and uncle, Tom Allen (Mary), Miami, Okla.; aunt, Alberta Flowers, Florida; uncle, Wayne L. Kieselbach (Lenore); cousin Kyle Kieselbach, Michigan.

Visitation will be held July 23, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at Center Christian Church.

Funeral services will be held July 24, at 2 p.m. at Center Christian Church.




Memorials can be made to Camp Cortisol and Center Christian Church and can be mailed to Ben Draeger, 1624 SW. 40th, Columbus, KS. 66725.