Leona Ruth Drake, age 96, of Brookville, Indiana died peacefully, Sunday May 12, 2019 at Friends Fellowship Community in Richmond, Indiana.

Born February 10, 1923 at her residence in Springfield Township, Franklin County she was one of five children born to the late Roy & Leona Pearl (Hart) Wolber. On March 9, 1943 she was united in marriage to Buford D. Drake. Leona and Buford lived at various Air Force bases during World War II. After the war they lived in New Paris, Ohio for a short time before they returned to farming in Franklin County, Indiana. Buford preceded her in death on July 13, 2010.

Leona was a homemaker and avid bird watcher, gardener, enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading and crafts. She loved walking in the woods with her grandkids, taking them fishing at the pond, and told wonderful stories at bedtime. She spent many summers helping her children and grandchildren with their 4-H projects. She herself entered numerous flowers and flower arrangements at the 4-H fair always coming home with various ribbons. She loved having tea parties, hosting sledding parties, and corn roasts for family and friends. Leona had such a kind heart and always a positive word for every person she met.

Leona was an active member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Brookville, serving in many ministries such as Women of the ELCA, taught Sunday School and Bible School. Leona was a member of Franklin County Farm Bureau, Springfield PTA, Brookville Women's Club, Friendly Neighbors Home Economics Club, and the Community Club.

Survivors include two daughters & son-in-laws, Bonnie (Gary) Stokes of West Harrison, Indiana, Pamela (Richard) Smith of Indianapolis, Indiana; a son & daughter-in-law, Daryl (Judy) Drake of Brookville, Indiana; a sister & brother-in-law, Bernice & Phil Blose of Richmond, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Melissa (David) Pepper, Jonathon (Eva) Stokes, Joseph (Holly) Stokes, Leslie (John) Babione, Erin Clampitt, Carrie (Jon) Walden, Jennifer (Zachary) Brzezinski, Jeffrey (Lisa) Drake; her great-grandchildren, Savannah (Cameron) Hofer, Ethan Pepper, Abraham Pepper, Jonathon (Alexis) Stokes, KC-Rae Stokes, Sydney Stokes, Joseph Donald Stokes, Daphne Stokes, Blair Babione, Brienne Babione, Alex Walden, Elizabeth Walden, Christopher Walden, Mackenzie Brzezinski, Drake Brzezinski, Jordan Brzezinski, Piper Twiggs, Lex Twiggs, and Pearl Drake ; and her great-great grandchildren, Emilia Hofer, Eloise Hofer, Macie Grace Stokes, Adalyn Stokes.

In addition to her parents and husband, Buford, she was preceded in death by a sister Mary Bommer; and two brothers, Paul Wolber & Raymond Wolber.

Family & friends may visit from 5 until 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Ave., Brookville, and Thursday, May 16, 2019 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 823 Franklin Ave., Brookville.

Rev. Ladona Webb, pastor of St. Thomas Lutheran Church, will officiate the Funeral Services at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, May 16, 2019, at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Brookville. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Brookville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Maple Grove Cemetery, Brookville Aquatic Center or St. Thomas Lutheran Church. Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Drake family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .