Gladys Ruth Drake, age 77, passed away July 2, 2021, at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

She was born January 7, 1944 in Dexter, Missouri, daughter of the late Jessie Johns and Betty Blankinship Johns.

Gladys was a member of Canalou Baptist Church and had worked as an EMT in Sikeston for many years before retiring.

On February 23, 1962 in Canalou, she married Larry V. Drake who preceded her in death January 19, 1996.

Gladys is survived by one son, Gerry Drake of California; two daughters, Tami (Gary) Simmons and Susan Drake both of Poplar Bluff; seven grandchildren, Brittany, Chance, Megan, Rachel, David, Bella, and Elijah; and six great-grandchildren, David, Addi, Emma, Jaxson, Savannah, and Jacquelynn.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Teresa Drake Couch; five brothers; and one sister, Gloria Chaney.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 7, from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral services at 1:00 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.  The Rev. Fred Ritter, pastor of Canalou Baptist Church, will officiate.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.