Frances “Frankie” Drake was born on Feb. 6, 1954, in Fontana, California, to Leslie and Keitha Crowell. Frankie attended Bonita High School in LaVerne, California. She passed away peacefully on Sept. 13 surrounded by her family after a courageous fight to overcome a traumatic brain injury she suffered from a fall.
After graduating from high school, Frankie married Gary Drake on July 21, 1973. They moved from Southern California in June of 1980, relocating to Kirkland, Washington. From there they moved the family to Woodland and Vancouver, Washington, before settling in Battle Ground in the spring of 1984.
While in Battle Ground, Frankie and Gary built a wonderful life for their children. Living on 10 acres in the house on 503 that put the candles in their windows every Christmas, the Drake family kept busy. Frankie adored her children, watching them play soccer, basketball, ride horses or raise chickens. It didn’t matter what was happening, Frankie was the best cheerleader a kid could ask for.
Frankie developed a circle of friends through Weight Watchers, a group who meant a lot to her. She also enjoyed her time as a caregiver, creating life-long relationships with the people she served.
The loss of Frankie has been sudden and challenging to accept, yet we are at peace with the impact she had on all of us and those who knew her.
Frankie is survived by Gary, her husband of 50 years; her children Brandon, Lindsay (Brent), Travis (Jessica), and Madison; her sisters Lynn, Fran (Dan), Jackie, and Irene (Bill); her brother Greg; and her seven grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her mother, father, sister Jeri, and son, Hayden.
A celebration of life will be held for Frankie on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. at Liberty Church of the Nazarene in Salmon Creek, Washington (12401 NE Salmon Creek Ave., Vancouver).
