Elizabeth "Betty" Drake

Elizabeth (Betty) Drake was born Elizabeth Jane Pickrell on November 16, 1932 to Roy and Mary Pickrell of Zanesville, Ohio. She was 92 years old when she passed away on September 19, 2025. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Thurman Drake Sr., her father Roy Pickrell and mother, Mary Pickrell and her 6 brothers: Dick, Bill, Ed, Ted, Fred and Jim, and her 6 Sisters: Alene, Marge, Norma, Evelyn, Jean, Denise, and Betty & Thurman’s infant daughter Denise.

Betty leaves behind her children, Nadine Martin, Renae (Rick) Hall and Thurman (T.L.) Drake Jr.; she also leaves seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren and many grateful nieces and nephews.

Betty graduated from Zanesville High School and managed her father’s Sinclair Gas Station on Sharon Avenue until she married Thurman. Betty took on the responsibility of raising all 4 children ages 6 to 16 years old and she took over the role of book keeper and billing, answering the phone calls and sending out the workers to the jobs for the business. She kept the family together and gave the 4 children a new Mom to love.

Betty supported her husband’s passion of Christmas and helped him as he created the large Christmas display he built and shared with all for 30 years. She painted many of the displays and shared him with the community.

Betty was the matriarch of the Drake and Pickrell family. She was a courageous woman who gave herself to her husband and his children. She will be missed by the children she raised and all of the Drake and Pickrell family. Betty gave her life to Jesus Christ prior to her passing.

Friends and family may call from 11:00 A.M. until time of service starting at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE with Pastor Geoff Geyer officiating. Betty will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Thurman at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery.

To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.