Obituary of Mary Ellen Drake

Mary Ellen (King) Drake 87, of Girard, passed away Monday afternoon, August 20, 2012 at her residence surrounded by her family. Mary Ellen was born on May 11, 1925 to Thomas and Sylvia Nigle (Loving) King in Springfield, IL. She was a graduate of Athens Community High School. On August 15, 1942 she married Ralph Primm Drake at Camp Pickett, Blackstone, VA and they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Mary Ellen had worked for the First National Bank during WWII. While raising her family she helped Ralph on the family farm. She was a member of the Girard United Methodist Church. Mary is survived by her husband, Ralph Drake; sons, David Drake (Sharlynn) of Girard, Tom Drake (Dianna) of Carlinville; daughter, Patricia Strubberg (Don) of Plainview, IL; and son, Gary Drake (Marcia) of Novato, CA; 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 35 great-great grandchildren and several great-great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Clay and Sylvia Nigle King, 1 granddaughter and 1 great grandson. Funeral Information Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 23, 2012 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Girard United Methodist Church in Girard. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 24, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the church with Rev. Mary Alice Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow in Union Chapel Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Kevin Drake, Daniel Drake, Travis Drake, Tom Drake Jr., Johnathon Drake and Josh Drake along with Roger Drake, Stephanie Mabus, Jamie Drake, Lisa Ballinger, Robbie Hohimer and Bobbi Davis serving as honorary pallbearers. Donations Information Memorials are suggested to the Macoupin County Animal Shelter or the Girard United Methodist Church. Directions Visitation: United Methodist Church of Girard Service: United Methodist Church of Girard Cemetery: Union Chapel Baptist Cemetery