Mary Kathryn Drake

Mary Kathryn \"Kay\" Drake, age 72, a resident of League City, TX, died Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at her home in Highland, IL. She was born June 25, 1938, in Jefferson City, MO, the daughter of Vivian F. \"Dusty\" and Norma (nee Lewis) Rhoads. On July 09, 1960, she married Dr. William K. Drake M.D. who survives. When Kay was 18, she left Springfield on one of the first scholarships granted by the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. After graduating from Fashion Institute of Tech, she worked for Butterick, designing patterns. On July 9, 1960 she married Dr. William K. Drake M.D. It was in New York that Kay began her lifelong love for cooking. She studied at the Helen Worth Cooking School in New York. She later went on to study at Le Grand Hotel in Rome, La Varenne and the Cordon Bleu in Paris, and with many chefs in St. Louis. She also loved gardening, travel, reading and learning languages.Kay was very active in the Highland Community. She was Cub Scout Leader, Brownie Leader, and served as President of the Highland Woman\'s Club. She served several terms on the Highland School Board. From 1977 to 1989, she wrote a cooking column for the Highland News Leader, where she shared her favorite recipes and stories. In addition to her other activities, Kay managed the billing office for her husband, Dr. William Drake, for many years. She also served as Chairman of the Board of Harrisburg National Bank. Last July she and her husband celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with friends and family in St. Louis. Survivors include : Husband - Dr. William K. Drake M.D., Highland, IL Son - Dow M. (Tave) Drake, Portland, OR Son - Kelley R. (Michelle) Drake, Chicago, IL Daughter - Claire K. (Peter D.) Doyle, Sr., Pelham, NY Grandchild - Kathryn M. Doyle Grandchild - Osanna V. Drake Grandchild - Peter D. \"Duffy\" Doyle Jr. Grandchild - Lucinda F. Drake Grandchild - Brody M. Drake Grandchild - Wm. Emmett Doyle Grandchild - Bennett M. Drake Grandchild - Nathan L. Drake Grandchild - Finbar D. Doyle She was preceded in death by : Father - Vivian F. \"Dusty\" Rhoads Mother - Norma Marie Rhoads nee Lewis Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

Mary Kathryn Drake

June 25, 1938 - February 22, 2011