Ruth Bessie (Harper) Drake

Ruth Bessie (Harper) Drake, age 102, of Franklin, West Virginia, formerly of Williamsport, Maryland, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014 at her home in Franklin.

She was born in Macksville, West Virginia on Aug. 30, 1912, the daughter of the late Wilbur and Bessie Lena (Mauzy) Harper.

In June 1934, Ruth married Veston Harold who preceded her in death in 1943. On Dec. 28, 1948 she married George W. Drake, who preceded her in death on April 10, 2002.

Mrs. Drake was a 1930 graduate of St. John’s Academy and a graduate of Shepherd College. She attended Walnut Street United Methodist Church and was a member of Harmony United Methodist Church in Falling Waters.

Ruth retired in 1974 after working 42 years of School Teaching in Washington County. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and she held the office of Esther. She was also a member of the Maryland Retired Teachers Association and the Daughters of the Nile.

Mrs. Drake is survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and spouses, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Rupert Wilbur Harper and Hansel James Harper; and two sisters, Ronna Harper Sponaugle and Arvella Harper May.

Mrs. Drake’s family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015 at Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin. Funeral services will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. William Hartsfield officiating.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, Jan. 3 at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Williamsport with the Rev. William Hartsfield officiating.

Memorials may be made to Walnut Street United Methodist Church or to Pendleton Home Health Services.

Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.