Former Findlay resident Mary Lou Drake, age 99, passed away on July 17, 2020 at the Forum at Knightsbridge in Columbus, Ohio. Mary Lou was born in Findlay on March 26, 1921 to J. Clarence and Grace (Houser) Fellers. She was preceded in death by her husband William J. “Bill” Drake and her sisters Evelyn (William) Pitney and Doris (George) Harris. Mary Lou is survived by her children Daniel J. (Rebecca) Drake of Surf City, North Carolina; Dr. David W. (Bonnie) Drake of Salem, Ohio; Rose-Marie Drake (Joseph M. Zeitler) of Columbus, Ohio; and her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Mary Lou graduated from Findlay High School in 1939 and was employed as a secretary for Smith Brothers Manufacturing. In 1942 she married Bill and while he served in the Army during WWII, Mary Lou worked at Headquarters Second Air Force in Colorado Springs. After the war, Bill and Mary Lou returned to Ohio until 1956 when Bill’s work assignments with the federal government took them to Japan and later to New York, Hawaii and back to Ohio. In the late 1970s, she retired from the Columbus sales office of Peabody Coal Company. Upon Bill’s retirement, they moved to Bradenton, Florida, returning to their hometown of Findlay in 1999.
Mary Lou had a wonderful sense of humor and zest for life, staying active into her late 90s. She loved Jeopardy, crossword puzzles, genealogy research and playing bridge. She was an excellent cook and was known for her international cuisine. Mary Lou was a former member of the Hancock County Historical Museum, Findlay Country Club, Hancock County Chapter Ohio Genealogical Society, Findlay Elks Bridge Club and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s at a later date due to COVID-19 precautions. Memorials may be made to the Education Fund at St. Michael’s School, Findlay
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