Alberta I. Drake

Alberta I. (Austin) Drake, age 85, of Alliance, passed away at her home at 4:20 p.m. Saturday, December 26, 2009. She was born October 27, 1924 in Alliance, Ohio to Harry Walker and Sylvia Irene (Marshall) Austin. A 1942 graduate of Alliance High School, Mrs. Drake worked at McCaskey's Register Company in the 1940's. She was a life member of Bolton United Methodist Church and was a Sunday School teacher for many years. Mrs. Drake also belonged to the Alliance Senior Citizens Center, Ja' Mel Club, former Girl Scout Leader and volunteer for the Cancer Society and Heart Association. Alberta was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren and family. Survivors include two daughters, Tana Beth (Will) Russell, and Susan J. Ciotti-Gabrielson, both of Alliance; six grandchildren; William "Bill" Russell, Denene (Jeff) Cannon, Jill (Anthony) Thomas, Joseph (Chris) Schatz, Sally (Bonnie) Schatz, and Jeffrey Ciotti; granddaughter-in-law, Cheryl Russell; fifteen great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; special caregiver niece, Penny Nezbeth; and many other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 56 years, John "Jack" Albert, whom she married Oct. 3, 1942, and who died Jan. 26, 1998 an infant grandson, Drew Alan Russell, grandson, Eric Drake Russell, and son-in-law, Eric "Rick" Gabrielson. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home with Dr. David Bloor officiating. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday. Interment will be at Alliance City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Alliance Visiting Nurse Hospice Association, 885 S. Sawburg, Alliance, Ohio 44601, or Bolton United Methodist Church, 14670 Gaskill Dr. NE, Alliance, Ohio 44601. Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home. 75 S. Union Ave., Alliance, Ohio 44601.