Denise Drake

Denise Drake, a lifelong traveler who called Bartlesville home (several times!), died Friday in Tulsa. She was 66 years young when she went on to her Heavenly Home but she also remains in the hearts and minds of all who loved her along life’s journey. Carolyn “Denise” Drake was born the daughter of Jessie Marion and Thelma (Davis) Ashley on March 8, 1956 in Amarillo, TX. Her father was an Assembly of God Pastor, and she grew up with her six siblings in Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. She shared the many quirks that go along with being the pastor’s kid - experiences best appreciated by others wearing the same shoe. Denise became caretaker and older sister to her three younger brothers, entertaining them and later driving them around. In fact, it was older brother Rick and his wife Cathy who introduced Denise to Wayne Drake. Rick would invite his coworker Wayne to visit Rick on the weekends and Cathy would make sure Denise was also invited over. They quickly fell in love and were united in marriage on November 12, 1977. Wayne started his career with Phillips Petroleum Co. and they made their first stop in Cushing, OK, before transferring to Bartlesville, Borger, TX, back to Bartlesville, Ponca City, OK, and finally back to Bartlesville. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters. Dawn and Darya remember that Mom was always ready to open her home to their many friends and they could always count on snacks and food being ready for every occasion. Mom was always waiting up for us to come home no matter how late it was -.she would be sitting on the couch reading her Bible. As a family, they always made time to enjoy big ol’ reunions and took many vacations with extended family or visiting friends near and far. Later Denise and Wayne took memorable trips to Alaska both by sea and land, and Alaska quickly became her favorite destination. She made lasting friendships, and one extra special trip to London and Scotland to visit friends who played tour guide for several days was a real treat. Lately Denise and Wayne enjoyed traveling short distances with the “Dinner Out Club,” visiting restaurants out of the local area but never too far with good friends. From a young age Denise accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She was always active in the ministries of the church including singing in the choir and being active in women’s ministry at First Assembly/Spirit Church and served as a deacon in Ponca City. God’s greatest blessing and Denise’s greatest joy was her grandchildren. They knew Grandma had the best snacks and visited often. She enjoyed attending their many activities, playing board and card games and having them spend the night. She would plan on them sleeping in the spare room but they often ended up in her room. Denise had a few things she did for herself: doing crossword puzzles, enjoying pedicures with perfectly painted toenails, and watching the Texas Rangers play ball. She was easy to love and will be missed dearly. Denise is survived by her husband of 44 years Wayne; daughters Dawn Cockrum and Darya (Stephen) Lackey; four grandsons, Cole, Talon, Titus and Knox; and siblings, Marolyn (Farrell) Bridges, Sue Elroy, Rick (Johnnie Ruth) Ashley, John (Suzanne) Ashley, Steve Ashley, and Tommy (Miriam) Ashley. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law Cathy Ashley. Denise’s family will receive friends Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel, 918-333-7665, 4201 Nowata Road in Bartlesville. Visitation will also be held Tuesday from 10-8. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Spirit Church, 2121 Madison Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at Spirit Church, with Pastor Jason Fullerton officiating. Interment will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Denise Drake

March 8, 1956 - August 5, 2022