Inez Louise Drake

   Inez Louise Drake, 100, of Wamego, Kansas formerly of Manhattan, died Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at the Valley Vista Good Samaritan Center. She was a long-time resident of the area.

   Inez was born January 27, 1921, in Dearing, Georgia, the oldest child of J. C. and Mamie (Phillips) Neal.

   Inez married Richard Drake on January 21, 1940. They later divorced.

   Inez worked for 21 years as a nanny for the Don and Jan Wissman family in Manhattan, and to this day, they all remain a huge part of her life. She also worked at a pants factory in Georgia and then three years for Saroff Meats in Manhattan. She was an active member of the Beacher Bible and Rifle Church and a member of the church’s Willing Workers. She loved to cook and read her Bible. Inez was always willing to help others.

   Inez is survived by her daughter, Peggie Leonard of Wamego: her grandchildren, Rick Leonard (Barbara), Manhattan, Rob Leonard (Diane), Manhattan, Dr. Scott Wissman (Elisa) and Sean Wissman (Aditi), and their families, both of Washington D.C.; Her Great-grandchildren, Andrea Leonard (Jeff Goins), Ashley Douglas (Josh), Ashley Oliphant (Seth), Lindsey Thompson (Zach), Ryan Leonard, (Paige), and Robyn Leonard (Adam Asbury); her thirteen great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Inez was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Irene Hampton, and Shirley Hardy, and her three brothers, Richard Neal, Bryant Neal, and Freeman Neal.

   Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Reverend Jol Klein will be officiating. Burial will follow in Wabaunsee Cemetery. Inez will lie-in-state on Monday beginning at 3:00 pm, at the funeral home, where the family will greet friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. They suggest memorial contributions to Valley Vista Good Samaritan Center or Beacher Bible and Rifle Church, and those may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.

   *Family is requesting all guests wear a mask if you are in attendance for services*