Phyllis C. Drake
January 17, 1931 ~ May 8, 2026
Phyllis’ service will be livestreamed below starting at 10:00 AM Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother passed away at the age of 95 at Heather’s House Hospice in Fargo, North Dakota, on May 8, 2026.
Phyllis was born on January 17, 1931, to William and Eleanor Lundon in Ada, Minnesota. On October 21, 1952, she married Clayton Drake, and together they raised seven children. Phyllis and Clayton lived in Ada, Halstad, and Mahnomen before eventually settling in Fargo, North Dakota.
Our mother cherished her family and loved visits from them and friends. She always had chocolate chip cookies to offer anyone who stopped by.
Phyllis was typically up by 4:00 AM every morning to tend to the pigs in the family’s farrowing operation, but she was always back in the house by 7:00 to help the girls with their hair before school on weekdays. She was fiercely protective of her children and would do most anything for them. Nearly every week day, Phyllis would take the children to their horse farm in Twin Valley and watch them ride horses all day. On the way home, they would scrounge for coins on the car floor for change to buy ice cream cones at the Dairy Whirl in win Valley . Phyllis was also an expert seamstress, and the girls watched anxiously as she created outfits for them and wonderful designs for their Barbie dolls.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton, and grandson, David Wille. She is survived by a sister, Joan (Mark) Chisholm; seven children: Debbie (Jim) Wille, Terri (Ken) Spaeth, Gail (Garry) Kjos, Denise (Kim) Kemmer, Jim (Karen) Drake, Deanna (Mark) Newell, and Tony Drake. She is fondly remembered by her 18 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
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
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 💙🙏🏼