Wilberta J. "Bert" Drake Obituary (1922 - 2019)

Girard - Wilberta J. "Bert" Drake, 97, formerly of Girard, IL and Willard, MO passed away at 1:45 A.M. Thursday, October 17, 2019 at Carlinville Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, Carlinville, IL surrounded by her loving family. Bert was born June 19, 1922 in Modesto in Macoupin County, IL a daughter to Joseph W. & M. Mabel (Goode) Crump. She married John "Bill" Drake on September 12, 1941 in St. Charles, MO and celebrated 63 years of marriage. Bert worked as a clerk at Cherry's Country Store and also at Virden Department Store. She was a member of Girard Order of Eastern Star where she served as Past Matron of Girard OES and Grand Lecturer Meritus of OES Illinois and Past Grand Officer in 1989. Bert was an avid reader and rarely seen without a book in her hand. Bert had many grandchildren and great grandchildren and they all aspired to be taller than her. Bert is survived by her sons, Bill D. "Skip" (Shirley) Drake of Willard, MO, Sam Drake of AZ; daughters, Karen Wise of Springfield, IL, Kaye (David) Liles of Girard, IL; 6 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, John "Bill" Drake; son, Barry Drake; granddaughter, Tena Marie Drake; son-in-law, Ted Wise; sisters, Wilma Braun, Mabel Jo Dean and Maxine Aitken and brothers, Glen and Keith Crump. There will be a Order of the Eastern Star Service at 2:00 P.M. followed by a Celebration of Life Gathering from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM Saturday, October 26, 2019 at the Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home in Virden, IL. A Celebration of Life Service to follow with Chaplain Terry Link officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded by the Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home, Virden, IL. Memorials may be made to Oak Grove Cemetery, Modesto, IL or Mary Bryant Home For The Blind, 2960 Stanton Street, Springfield, IL 62703. Interment of ashes will be in Oak Grove Cemetery at a later date.