Martha Arlene Drake
Martha Arlene (Larkins) Drake was born on December 17, 1939, to Vern and Helen (Jensen) Larkins on the family Homestead in rural Jamestown, Kansas. She grew up in a large and loving family as the 3rd of 4 children and 6th of 40 1st cousins, most of who ca
By News Channel Nebraska
Martha Arlene (Larkins) Drake was born on December 17, 1939, to Vern and Helen (Jensen) Larkins on the family Homestead in rural Jamestown, Kansas. She grew up in a large and loving family as the 3rd of 4 children and 6th of 40 1st cousins, most of who called her “Sis”.
She attended Fairview school- a one room school outside of Norway, Kansas until the family moved to Western, Nebraska when she was in 6th grade, and she graduated from Western High School. She went on to Fairbury Jr. College and continued to learn and grow until she finished her bachelor’s degree from Doane College in 2003.
In 1964 Martha was married to Richard L Drake II. From this union 2 children were born, Richard and Tracy, and she became “Mom”.
As time moved on, she was elevated to “Mimi" status by her 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Martha was a baptized child of God and was quick to find a church or a faith family no matter where she moved. Her faith carried her through so many storms and joys in life.
Martha passed away on April 29th, 2025, after a long hard-fought battle with Alzheimer’s.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Robert Sjolander, Gary and Dale Larkins, sister-in-law Betsy, great granddaughter Auvianna Griffo, and Richard Drake II.
She is survived by her children Richard Drake and friend Carrie, Tracy (Kevin) Haake. Seven grandchildren Breanna and friend Jeff, Shara (Eric) Griffo, Michelle (Devin) Weyer, Haley Dutton (Ash Bullard), Madison (Jonah) Jordening, Austin (Kristin) Drake, and Alyssa Haake. Eleven great- Grandchildren James, Kaleb, Jensen, Revel, Archer, Axle, Marvel, Sylvie, Carson, Lawson, Opison. Her sister’s in-law Joyce Larkins and Colleen Bruning. Nieces, nephews and many cousins, family and friends.
To say she will be deeply missed is an understatement.
Services will take place May 3rd 10:00 a.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ in Western, Nebraska with a fellowship luncheon following at the Western American Legion. A private family burial of ashes will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be made to St Johns UCC of Western, Western Legion Auxiliary, or Western Fire Dept.