Gloria Drake

Gloria died early Tuesday morning, March 17, at the Exira Care Center.  Memorial Funeral ServiceThursday, April 9, 200910:30 a.m.Ohde Funeral Home, Bayard

Officiating

Pastor Bob Rogers

 Church of Christ

Bayard, Iowa

Music

Just As I Am?

How Great Thou Art?

Sam and Corinne Cretsinger, VocalistsLula Garnes, Organist

Honorary Urn Bearers

Glorias Great-Grandchildren

Interment

Orange Township Cemetery

South of Coon Rapids, Iowa

   Gloria Louise, daughter of Jake and Zilpha (Armstrong) Farnham, was born July 12, 1927 in Bayard, Iowa. She attended Cooper schools and then graduated from Jefferson High School. Her step-father Wayne Smith was an important part of her life. After completing her education, Gloria worked at Gatelys Dime Store and Monte Implement, both in Jefferson.

   On February 2, 1946 Gloria was united in marriage with Warren Binkley in Jefferson. One daughter Cheryl was born to this union. They lived in the Jefferson area.

   On April 26, 1951, Gloria was united in marriage with Sam Drake and twins Rebecca and Roderick were born to this union. The family farmed south of Bayard for 34 years. Over the years Gloria enjoyed traveling, reading, bingo, completing crossword puzzles and eating out. She was especially fond of the annual family gag gifts at Christmas.  Gloria was a member of the Heritage Club in Coon Rapids.

   Her husband Sam died in 1985 and the next year Gloria moved to Bagley. She was able to remain in her home until January of 2007 when she moved to the Exira Care Center in Exira, Iowa. She died there on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at the age of 81 years, 8 months and 5 days.

   Preceding her in death are her father Jake Farnham; mother and step-father Zilpha and Wayne Smith; and husband Sam Drake.

   Gloria is survived by three children: Cheryl and husband Mark Rosenbeck of Adair; Rebecca Sue Elliott of Carroll and Roderick Sam Drake of Bagley; five grandchildren: Samantha Elliott of St. Francis, SD; Chad Elliott of Indianola; Sheri and husband Randy McCann of Guthrie Center; Greg Derry of Guthrie Center; and Jeff Derry and wife Natalie of Guthrie Center; six great-grandchildren: Zack Derry, Levi Derry, Kylie McCann, Emily McCann, Trey Derry and Trever Derry, many other relatives and friends.