Dolores Drake

Maria Dolores Drake, 86  of Fort Sumner, NM passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023 at the BeeHive Home in Clovis, NM following an illness. She was born May 01, 1937 in Fort Sumner to the home of L.F. “Chano” Silva and Lois (Pena) Silva. Dolores grew up in Fort Sumner and attended Fort Sumner Schools, graduating with the class of 1955. Dolores married Raymond Drake in 1959 in Fort Sumner, NM. They made their home in Fort Sumner where they would raise their three boys. In 1970 Dolores went to work for Fort Sumner Schools as a teacher’s aide. She would later become the Librarian, and retire from that position in May of 1999.

Dolores was a longtime member of St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. She was most at peace when she was in church. She loved her church and the parishioners of St. Anthony. For several years she also enjoyed playing bridge with her Bridge Club friends. But her greatest joy came from being a mom and a GranGran.

Dolores is preceded in death by her parents, “Chano” Silva in 2004, Lois Silva in 1983, her  husband Raymond Drake in 1999, and her brother Bob Silva in 2014.

A loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, Dolores will be missed by her three sons: Tom Drake of Clovis, NM, Brian and Christy Drake of LaLande, NM, Ray and Lutricia Drake of Fort Sumner, NM, six grandchildren: Lane and Kristin Drake of Clovis, NM, Price and Shannon Drake of Lubbock, TX, Ryan and Courtney Drake of Amarillo, TX, Robyn Drake of Fort Sumner, NM, Raymond Drake of Bellevue, NE, and Chance Drake of Springer, NM, four great-grandkids: Karter Drake, Darcy Drake, Parker Drake, and Kallie Drake. She is also
survived by brother-in-law Gerry Drake (Marissa), three nephews, and a niece. She cherished her many friends in the Fort Sumner Community including long-time friends Betty Wilton, Esther Fallon, Mary Ann West, Winona McMillan, +Charlene Franks, +Lucy Props and +Helen Shaw.

Holy Rosary followed by the funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, May 25, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner with Father Sotero Sena officiating. Interment will follow in the Drake family plot, Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Lane Drake, Price Drake, Ryan Drake, Robyn Drake, Raymond Drake, and Chance Drake. Honorary bearers will include, Betty Wilton, Esther Fallon, Mary Ann West, Winona McMillan, +Charlene Franks, +Lucy Props and +Helen Shaw.  

The Drake family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the BeeHive Home and Interim Hospice Staff for the love and care given to Dolores.

The family requests contributions in memory of Dolores Drake to the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 180, Fort Sumner, New Mexico 88119.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort
Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.