Monday, June 13, 2016

Obituary -- Kathleen Drake 1922-2016

Kathleen Drake, 93, of Blockton, Iowa, passed away June 8, 2016 at the Mount Ayr Health Care Center. Kathleen, the daughter of Jesse and Roxie (Roudebush) Faubion, was born at her grandparents' home near Blockton on November 28, 1922.

Kathleen was united in marriage to Lester Paul Henson on November 28, 1947 in Blockton. To this marriage were born two sons, Robert and Terry. Lester passed away on July 5, 1976. Kathleen married Burt Elmer Drake on August 28, 1978 in Princeton, Missouri. Burt passed away in January 1998.

Kathleen graduated from Blockton High School and Northwest Missouri State College in Maryville, Missouri. She thought it was important to give children a good start by focusing especially on teaching reading skills. She taught at area rural grade schools, including Timberlake School and Brush College, and at Blockton and Bedford Elementary Schools. She was so respected by students that one high school graduating class dedicated their yearbook to her as being their most influential teacher. She retired from teaching in 1976.

In addition to being a patient and caring teacher, she was known in the community as a gifted storyteller whose colorful stories contained smart and witty comments. In retirement, she enjoyed new hobbies, including painting ceramics and quilt making. She made over 70 quilts and continued this hobby up to the last two weeks of her life.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son Bob Henson and wife Linda of Clive, Iowa. Terry Henson and wife Donna of Blockton; and step-son Earl Drake and wife Connie of Blockton; grandchildren, Jason Henson, Carolyn Gunkel, Anne Henson, Laura Roberts, Tyler Henson, Levi Henson, Marshall Henson; step-grandchildren, Todd Drake, Brenda Ferris, Clint Drake, Nate Drake, Bradley Melvin, Brent Melvin, Craig Melvin and 31 great-grandchildren.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; brother Robert Faubion who was killed in World War II; sister Maurine Shearer; and step-son Don Drake.
A memorial fund has been established to benefit the Blockton community.

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