Joan E. “Jody” Drake, 73, Yates Center, dued Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at the Yates Center Nursing home.

She was born April 20, 1937, on the family farm in Northern Woodson County to Joseph and Ruth Stout Acridge. She graduated from Yates Center High School.

On Aug. 15, 1955, she joined the U.S. Navy and served in Jacksonville, Fla., before her discharge.

She married Henry N. Drake on May 1, 1958, in Fort Worth, Texas. He died on May 8, 2002.

She was most recently employed with Woodson County Ambulance Service.

Survivors include a daughter, Debbie Hadden, Yates Center; three sons, Hank Drake, Fredonia, and Dusty and Russell Drake, both ofYates Center; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Jody has donated her body to the University of Kansas so she may help others. The family will gather to great friends at Campbell Funeral Home in Yates Center from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. A private family interment will be held at a later date.