Phyllis C. Drake
January 17, 1931 ~ May 8, 2026
Phyllis’ service will be livestreamed below starting at 10:00 AM Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Phyllis Drake, age 95, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, at Heather’s House Hospice in Fargo, North Dakota.
Phyllis was born on January 17, 1931, to William and Eleanor Lundon in Ada, Minnesota. On October 21, 1952, she married the love of her life, Clayton Drake. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work while raising seven children. Over the years, they made their homes in Halstad, Ada, and Mahnomen before eventually settling in Fargo, North Dakota.
Family was at the heart of Mom’s life. She treasured every visit from relatives and friends, welcoming everyone with warmth, kindness, and often one of her famous homemade chocolate chip cookies.
While the family owned a farm near Twin Valley, Mom devoted countless hours to supporting her children and their love of horses. She could often be found patiently watching them ride for hours. One cherished family tradition was searching for spare change on the car floor during the drive home so she could stop for ice cream cones at the Dairy Whirl in Twin Valley. Those simple moments became treasured memories that her family will carry forever.
During the years that Mom and Dad operated a farrowing business, Mom often began her day at 4:00 a.m., caring for the pigs before coming in to help her children get ready for school. Her dedication, strength, and selflessness were evident in everything she did, and she would do almost anything for her children.
Mom was also a talented seamstress. We daughters would watch in awe as she transformed fabric into beautiful clothing, often creating special matching outfits for our Barbie dolls that felt magical to us at the time.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Drake, and her grandson, David Wille.
Phyllis is survived by her sister, Joan (Mark) Chisholm; her seven children, Debbie (Jim) Wille, Terri (Ken) Spaeth, Gail (Garry) Kjos, Denise (Kim) Kemmer, Jim (Karen) Drake, Deanna (Mark) Newell, and Tony Drake; 18 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Mom will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, remarkable work ethic, generous spirit, and the countless memories she created for those who knew and loved her.
Funeral Mass will be held on June 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo, North Dakota. Visitation will be from 9:00 – 10:00 AM, followed by a luncheon. Interment will be at the Ada Cemetery at 2:30 PM that day for those wishing to attend.
Services
Visitation: Thursday, June 25, 2026 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo
5202 25th St. S.
Fargo , North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-5757
https://stsaaj.org/
Memorial Mass: Thursday, June 25, 2026 10:00 am
Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo
5202 25th St. S.
Fargo , North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-5757
https://stsaaj.org/
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We loved having Clayton and Phyllis as neighbors. It was like having the best of our parents nearby. Having 10 yrs of memories along with our dogs loving each other. They roamed freely into the other’s door. Chihuahuas and pomeranian! Rest in peace Phyllis. Please greet my mom and dad and of course Hobey and Coco..
she was a great friend of my and i am so sorry for your losst
The world has lost a beautiful and caring soul.
As I reflect, and write this note on Mother’s Day no less…, abundant are the memories.
~Be it cooking breakfast before school to meals for those working the fall “harvest night shift” @ the farm.
~Juggling kids, grandkids, floaters (me, aka stow away), and a confidant support to Clayton tireless schedule with running their businesses… she had a big job, lots of people counting on her, she fulfilled each task with love and compassion and made it seem like “what else could she do”,how about sport practices and games, church and all associated glorious events. She was “always at the ready”, and always there for her family and those she held close.
Though it had been many years, in the early spring of 2025, I stopped in to see Phyllis, and . I’m very thankful for the visit, for there’s always a meaningful take away from good conversation with the a wise elder you respect.
She shared the loss, memories and admiration of Clayton, I have to share this was the absolute ~ sweetest of sweet… A true testament to the meaning of LOVE.
Extending heartfelt condolences to the families of Clayton & Phyllis Drake
Forever in our hearts,
Rest in Peace ~
Derek Schuck
Thank you Derek, she loved you very much!
I’m so sorry to hear of Phyllis passing. Such a kind and gentle soul. I loved every time I saw her and was so honored to be part of her care team. I know she’s so happy to be reunited with Clayton. Prayers for you all 💙🙏🏼
TV knowing the Drake’s where up and starting their day. Many of those first years I lived here, Phyllis would be out checking her flowers and the lawn. I will miss her and Clayton very much.
Prayers to the Drake family. 🙏🙏