Elizabeth Drake

Elizabeth “Betty” A. (Woodbury) Drake

Elizabeth “Betty” A. Drake, 94, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, at Rutland Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 19, 1931, in Rutland, she was the daughter of Charles and Sadie (McLaughlin) Woodbury.

On June 20, 1953, she married William “Bill” F. Drake at St. John’s Church in Castleton. They remained devoted parishioners of St. Peter Church in Rutland throughout their 62 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and love.

Betty was the heart of her family, a woman of grace, patience, and unwavering kindness. She was known for her gentle spirit and her ability to make everyone feel cared for and loved. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing cards, cherishing the laughter and friendships those times brought. Above all, she was happiest when surrounded by her family, to whom she gave her unconditional love and support every day of her life.

She is survived by her six sons: James Drake of Fayetteville, GA; Samuel Drake of Pittsford, VT; William J. Drake of Rutland; Frank C. Drake of Cavendish, VT; Doug Drake of Rutland; and Richard Drake of Rutland; and by her daughters-in-law Pam, Brenda, Deb, Lisa, and Jill Drake.

She is also survived by her sisters Cathleen Ferland, Emily Nilges, and Lucille Durham; 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bill Drake, in 2015; and by her siblings Edward Woodbury, Charles B. Woodbury, Rita Michaud, Mary McClure, Theresa Teegardin, and Joan Briggs.

Calling Hours:

Friday, October 24, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Clifford Funeral Home, 2 Washington Street, Rutland

Funeral Mass:

Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

St. Peter Church, 134 Convent Avenue, Rutland

Celebration of Life after Church Services:

Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The Moose Lodge, Rutland

Graveside Service:

Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Randolph, VT

Arrangements are under the care of Clifford Funeral Home.

Her kindness, faith, and unconditional love for her family will be remembered always. Her family takes comfort knowing she and Bill are together again.