Charlotte Louise Drake

Charlotte Louise Drake, 74, of Benton City, died at 10:39 a.m., on Dec. 19, 2006, at Audrain Medical Center in Mexico.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Dec. 22, at 11 a.m. at Pickering Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug Vernon officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Beaver Dam Cemetery.

Mrs. Drake was born on September 18, 1932, in Hannibal, the daughter of Thomas Tillman and Charlotte Ozella (Utterback) Garrett. She was raised near Hunnewell and was a graduate of Monroe City High School. On June 27, 1953, in Hannibal, she married William C. Drake, who survives at the home.

As well as being a homemaker, Mrs. Drake worked in the cafeteria at various schools, at Florsheim Shoe, and did private duty nursing. She was a member of Southside Christian Church, and enjoyed camping, fishing, attending bluegrass festivals, and making crafts.

Survivors in addition to her husband include a son, Keith Drake and wife Jo Ann, Mexico; daughter Vicki Welch and husband Larry, Mexico; brother Harold Garrett, Monroe City; five grandchildren, Joe, Cory and Cody Welch, Mexico, Amy Drake Ward, Smithville, and Ash Lea Drake, Parkville; and three great grandchildren, Kenzi and Andrew Welch, Mexico, and Emma Drake, Parkville.

Her parents and an infant daughter, Karen Lynn, preceded her in death.

Memorials may be made to the Southside Christian Church or the AMC Foundation designated for theCritical Care Unit. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.