Mary H. Drake

Mary Helen (Stock) Drake, age 83, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away peacefully on April 3, 2018. She was born March 4, 1935 in Cambridge, Ohio to the late Albert E. and Sara Kathrin (Costello) Stock. Mary was sadly preceded in death by her husband, Carl E. Drake Sr. on October 7, 1999, whom she married on November 10, 1955 at Kirkland Air Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Mary spent many years as an organ teacher at Allman's in Battle Creek. She also enjoyed retail and worked for Woolworth's in the late 1980's. She was also part of the Ladies Auxiliary at Legion Post #298 until the early 2000's. Most of her time was spent with her family. She took pride in caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mary also loved to bowl, crochet, knit, and do crossword puzzles. While she led the family as the strong matriarch: she led with love, kindness and always, humor.

Mary was also preceded in death by her beloved son, Carl E. Drake Jr., on December 28, 1990; sister, Janice Upton on May 28, 2012; and sister, Barbara Woodrich on March 19, 2018. She is survived by two daughters, Debra (the late Scott) Stewart, and Tami (Tim) Guy, both of Battle Creek; seven grandchildren, Joshua (Linda) Drake of Cedar Park, Texas, Wendi Day, Heidi (Jon) Allen, Samantha Lampman, Christi Day, Nicole Lampman, and Cameron Lampman, all of Battle Creek; as well as thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. Mary is also survived by two brothers, Michael (Barbara) Stock of Fowlerville, Michigan, and David Thomas (Edna) Stock of McCall, South Carolina.

Funeral services to celebrate Mary's life will be held 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where the family will gather with friends from 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Battle Creek Aerie #299 Fraternal Order of Eagles, 19757 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017.