Marilyn M. Drake

Marilyn M. Drake, 85, of Patterson, passed away Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at The Village/WesleyLife Community in Indianola.

Marilyn Maxine (Sullivan) Drake was born Jan. 7, 1938, to Arthur and Clara (Sheeder) Sullivan in a farmhouse in Grove Township, Adair County. Throughout her life, she lived in various locations, including Greenfield, Menlo, Martensdale and Patterson.

Marilyn married Allen Drake on Feb. 3, 1959, at the First Methodist Church in Des Moines. She was a dedicated member of the Patterson United Methodist Church and actively contributed to her community. She was a member of the United Methodist Women’s Club and the Winterset Square Dance Club.

Marilyn attended country school in Prussia Township, Adair County and continued her education in Greenfield, graduating from Greenfield High School. Throughout her life, she was an active homemaker. She was known for her commitment to various roles and responsibilities. She served as church bookkeeper and custodian at the Patterson Methodist Church, and was occasionally the town meeting secretary in Patterson. Her involvement in the community extended to assisting at election polling locations. Marilyn was also employed for a time at the Grand Movie Theatre in Greenfield and Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company in Omaha, Nebraska.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Allen; children, Larry Drake of Winterset, Gary Drake of Patterson, Laurie (Rod) Wheeler of St. Charles and Deborah Mehmen of Boone. She will be dearly missed by her five grandchildren: Christopher (Caitrin) Wheeler of Garrettsville, Ohio, Justin Wheeler of Peru, Heather (Oscar) Ibarra of Boone, Brian (Alisa) Drake of Winterset and Lonnie Drake of Patterson. Marilyn’s legacy continues through her nine great-grandchildren: Gavin Wheeler, Wyatt Drake, Rylen Ibarra, Joeseph Ibarra, Marlena Wheeler, Mac Wheeler, Scarlett Ibarra, Emmett Wheeler and Kasandra Drake.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Clara Sullivan; her brothers James (Columbine) Sullivan, Earl (Shirley) Sullivan and Arthur Jr. Sullivan; her sister, Betty (Albert) Wessel and her grandson, Jeffrey Jones.

Marilyn will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her community and her church. Her kindness, selflessness and vibrant spirit will forever be cherished by all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 26, at the Patterson United Methodist Church, with burial to follow in the Union Chapel Cemetery, South Township, Madison County.

Memorials may be directed to the Patterson United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.