Jane Drake, 81, of Leiters Ford was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 4:32 PM on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester, following a valiant battle with gastric cancer.

On December 29, 1942, Jane Messer was born in Haldeman, KY to Everett B. Sr. and Marie Johnson Messer. She was one of 10 children, sharing her childhood with six sisters and three brothers.

Jane and Elmo Drake were married on April 27, 1963. They shared 54 years of life's adventures. Sadly, he passed away on November 10, 2017.

For over 30 years, Jane worked at Miller's Merry Manor of Culver in housekeeping.  Jane was a devoted member of Mt. Hope Church for many years. Jane was known for her buttermilk biscuits and various sweet treats she enjoyed baking for family and friends.

Family was Jane's top priority; Mams cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  As an avid gardener, she planted, cultivated, and harvested delicious vegetables that she shared with her family and friends every year.  Reading her Bible was a part of her daily life, she also enjoyed autobiographies.  Traveling to the southwest was always enjoyed. Visits to Phoenix to spend time with her granddaughter and her husband, as well as the Grand Canyon were her favorite destinations.

Left to cherish Jane's memory are her daughter, Sandy Dunfee and husband Glenn of Leiters Ford; two grandchildren: Shannon Cichowicz and husband Josh, Luke Dunfee and wife Kayla; two great-grandchildren: Reid Dunfee, Hudson Dunfee; four sisters: Virginia McGlone of KY, Phyllis Pence of KY, Minerva Miley of Bristol, Sandy Thompson of Delong; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Jane in death are her parents; husband; infant daughter, Debra Kathleen Drake on April 27, 1964; two sisters: Ina Hamm, Mary Jessie; and three Messer brothers: James, Emmitt, and Everett Jr.

A celebration of the life of Jane Drake will be from noon to 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the Leiters Ford Community Building. Memorials may be made to Mt. Hope Church, 7022 W. 700 N., Culver, IN 46511.