Cover photo for Catherine "Katie" Ann Drake's Obituary
Catherine "Katie" Ann Drake Profile Photo
1941 Katie 2023

Catherine "Katie" Ann Drake

February 16, 1941 — December 15, 2023

Independence

Catherine Ann Drake, affectionately known as Katie, passed away on December 15, 2023, in her hometown of Independence, Missouri. She was born on February 16, 1941, in Abilene, Kansas. Catherine was a kind-hearted and compassionate woman who cared deeply for her family and dedicated her life to spreading love and joy to those around her. 

After graduating from William Chrisman High School in 1959, Catherine pursued her interest in secretarial work by attending Kansas City Business College. She excelled in her studies and earned a certificate in Secretarial Work. 

On June 6, 1962, Katie married Everett "Rhett" Drake Jr., the love of her life.  Together, they started a family and cherished over 50 years of memories together until Rhett's passing in 2013. 

Catherine's love for music was evident in her countless hours spent playing the piano and organ for her family and friends. Her melodious tunes uplifted the spirits of those around her. While working at Meyer Music in her earlier years, she gave piano and organ lessons. She also had a soft spot for Elvis Presley, and even had a room dedicated to him in her house with her ever-growing collection of Elvis memorabilia.  

In addition to her musical passions, Catherine possessed a creative spirit that thrived through hobbies such as quilting, knitting, sewing, and crocheting. She poured her heart into creating beautiful quilts, scarves, and hats for children with cancer through Project Linus. Her selflessness and compassion touched the lives of many young ones fighting difficult battles. She was also known for being an exceptional cook, renowned for her delicious meatloaf that always satisfied her beloved husband, Rhett. Cooking was not merely a task for Catherine but a genuine expression of love towards those she cherished most. She had a huge collection of Precious Moments, Beanie Babies, & Dolls. She loved scrapbooking and playing board and card games, & also found solace and relaxation in assembling intricate jigsaw puzzles that challenged her mind while providing moments of tranquility. 
 
Catherine's memory will forever be cherished by her surviving family members and friends. She is survived by her loving daughters Debra Jayne Drake-Oswald and Susan Dawn Drake, as well as her grandchildren Donovan Reese Oswald, Sebastian Bradley Drake, and Isabella Francis Nicholson. Her great-grandson Everett Noel Oswald brought immense joy to her final years, and Catherine adored him dearly. She is also mourned by her niece Jacqulin Kay Foster -Williams. Catherine is preceded in death by her beloved husband Everett "Rhett" Francis Drake Jr., her parents Leroy Vern Franklin and Allene Bernetta (Miller) Franklin-Srader, step-father Harold “Zip” Dodd Srader, and her sister Sally Sue Srader. 

To celebrate the life of Catherine Ann Drake, a viewing will be held on December 28, 2023, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Speaks Suburban Chapel in Independence, Missouri. This will be followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 am, with a burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. 
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Catherine "Katie" Ann Drake, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Viewing

Thursday, December 28, 2023

9:00 - 10:00 am (Central time)

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Funeral Service

Thursday, December 28, 2023

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

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Interment

Thursday, December 28, 2023

11:15am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

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