Velma Kerby Drake, 99, returned to her eternal companion on January 5, 2021, surrounded by family. Velma was born in Elfrida, Arizona, on November 16, 1921, to a large and loving family. She married Alvin T. Drake in the Mesa Arizona Temple on April 23, 1943 and shared a loving companionship and life together for 64 years until his death in 2007. Together they raised four children. She is survived by Sherrie Martin, Syracuse; Darlene Frint (Ben) Basin, Wyoming; and Ken Drake (Shalyn) Layton. She is also survived by a sister, Neva Brimhall, and a large, loving family consisting of 11 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren. A son, Douglas Drake, preceded her in death.
Velma’s church and family were always at the center of her life, and that life included a church mission and being active in the Relief Society throughout her life. In her own words, “organization” was her hobby, and it was evident in every aspect of her life. She never failed to remember a birthday, anniversary, or special event in the lives of her children and their families. Her home was always beautifully decorated to reflect each season, celebration, or holiday. Each family meal or get-together was filled with love and laughter with crowds so large that her modest home could hardly contain it.
Velma’s strong, independent spirit was demonstrated at the age of 93 when she had a new home built to enable her to continue living on her own. After an accident in 2019, she was confined to a bed in her daughter’s home, but her spirit and determination to be involved with the lives of her family remained strong and many family gatherings simply moved to her bedside. Her strength will live on in the lives of those she touched throughout her long and wonderful life.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the funeral services will be private for immediate family only. Those that wish to view Velma's funeral services may do so through the livestream link that will be available at the bottom of this obituary page, as well as on 'Myers Mortuary & Evergreen Memorial' facebook page beginning at Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 10:55 a.m.
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