Marilyn Wheeler Drake, 85, left this earth for her heavenly home Friday, May 6, 2016, at Windsor House in Iola, Kansas. She will always be known for her wonderful smile and serving heart.
Marilyn was born in Kansas City, Kan., the third daughter of Claude and Alma (Brumfield) Wheeler. She grew up there, graduating from Wyandotte High School in 1950. She attended the Quindaro Christian Church where she met Larry. They were united in marriage at that same church on May 25, 1952. Marilyn has always been Larry’s loving spouse, best friend, and known to him as “sweetheart!” In 1953, Marilyn gave birth to her first child, beginning her role as mother and loving it. Three more children were to follow. Marilyn took great pride in raising her four children and was a stay-at-home mom until her children were all in school. She then began using her administrative assistant/bookkeeping skills as she worked for: Robert Talkington Attorney Office, Kincaid Elevator and Iola Grain. In 1970, grandchildren began to enter her world (12 total). In 1993, she retired to allow more time to make memories with them. Several have spent many nights, weekends, weeks, and in the summertime, months at Grandma’s house. She was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren whom she dearly loved and adored.
Marilyn was a member of the Moran Christian Church, the American Legion, and the Wednesday Morning Breakfast Club. She enjoyed baking, reading, gardening, games, puzzles and flowers. She spent many hours doing embroidery work and made many baby blankets.
Marilyn is survived by her husband Larry; four children, Devona Herrin and husband Kenny of LaCygne, Danny Drake and wife Pam of Topeka, Denise Sweany and husband Jack of Manhattan, and Daryl Drake and wife Sandra of Moran; 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Alma Wheeler; and two sisters, Ermagene Nuesse and Deloris Griffitts.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Moran Christian Church with Pastor Jack Sweany officiating. Burial will follow in the Moran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Moran.
Memorials may be made to the Moran Christian Church.
Condolences may be sent to www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
