Beatrice M. (Heilig) Drake , 98 years old, passed away on June 24, 2022, at McLaren Thumb Hospital. Beatrice was born on June 4, 1924 in Minden City to the late William and Margaret (Oswald) Heilig.  She and Irvin Drake were married on October 10, 1942 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin, Michigan. He preceded her in death on August 31, 1971.

Beatrice resided on the family farm for the last 70 plus years. Being one of twenty-one brothers and sisters growing up together, her children enjoyed hearing about their many stories and adventures being part of this large family. Beatrice helped in caring for her siblings growing up, and she enjoyed keeping busy. She took pride in keeping her home and yard neat and tidy. Dandelions were not a flower she enjoyed, and she worked hard to rid her garden of those nasty plants. One of her favorite activities to do was a rousing fun card game with family on the weekends, and enjoying her grandchildren.

Beatrice is survived by her children Melvin (Pam) Drake, and June (Mark) Tice; her grandchildren Renee (Bill) Guigar, Melissa (Corey) Miller, Jennifer Drake, Joshua (Kelly) Drake, Tami (Chris) Wahl, Scott Toner, Shawn Tice; step-grandchild Courtney (Joshua) Logan, Mandy (Archie) Patterson, Chad (Tricia) Fisher and 5 great grandchildren, 6 step great grandchildren; brothers Wilfred and Gerald; sisters Jeanette Heilig, Lucy Hintz and her sister in law Lillian Drake, and many nieces and nephews.

Beatrice was preceded in death by her brothers Paul , Clarence , Mark , Ralph, Benjamin, Bernard , Bill, Nick, Harold; sisters Nona Heilig, Gert Cerveny, Catherine Stewart, Genevive Mitoff, Margaret Peyok, Winnie Sageman,  Regina Koglin, and step-grandson Dustin (Buck) Tice.

Mass of Christian burial for Beatrice will be held on Wednesday June 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dwight Michigan, with Fr. Craig Carolan officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at MacAlpine Gage Chapel in Kinde, Michigan, from 3:00-8:00 PM, and also from 10:00 until the time of service on Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Research Hospital.

Condolences may be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhom.com