Elaine Drake

Eleanor Elaine Drake, of Mesa, AZ passed away, July 15, 2016 at the age of 89. She was born May 2, 1927 in Scottsbluff, NE to Clyde Harrison and Myrtle Louise [Sutton] Mahnke. Elaine worked for many years, in healthcare, as a registered nurse in Boulder, CO, and for 20 years as a school nurse with the Little Lake City School District, in CA. Even during retirement, she continued helping others by volunteering every Monday, with “Stitch In Love,” sewing items for premature babies at Maricopa Medical Center. In addition to sewing, she enjoyed cooking and baking, especially chocolate chip cookies and lemon meringue pie.

Elaine, along with her husband Ted, have always been very involved as Christian leaders in their church. Contributing to the education of future Christian leaders at Hope International University was also an important part of their lives. For many years, they were “rockhounds,” and belonged to a club where they would enjoy the art of lapidary and silversmithing, working with precious gems and metals to create their own jewelry. Following retirement, Elaine and Ted travelled the United States in their RV, visiting all 49 states in the continental U.S.

Elaine is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Ted Drake; daughter, Karen and her husband Allan, granddaughter, Amy; step daughter Cynthia Clark, step grandchildren, Kelly and Shannon, and step great grandchildren Damien and Deke. A memorial service will be held at 10:00am, Thursday, July 28, 2016 at Grace Church, 8701 E. Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Ted Drake to be donated to “Stitch In Love.”

Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens (480) 830-4422