Carol Francis Dritshulas (Drake)

Carol Francis Dritshulas (Drake), 76, of Missoula, passed away Monday, March 14, 2016, at St. Patrick Hospital of natural causes.

She was born Nov. 19, 1939, in Great Falls to David F. and Alice M. Chambers. Carol had six siblings (Irene, David, Joseph, Alice, Richard and Janet), and they grew up on the family ranch in Raynesford until the family moved to Great Falls. Carol attended Great Falls High School and graduated in 1957.

She was married to Donald W. Drake on May 1, 1961, and they had three children, Angela, Carolyn and Donald. Carol and Donald were divorced in June of 1978 and she later married Bill Dritshulas of Havre. They were divorced in December 1990. Carol was a loving mother and grandmother to five grandchildren (Christopher Reed of Billings, Emily and Aaron Drake-Bledsoe of San Diego and Alex and Mya Drake of Redmond, Washington). Carol focused on raising her children, but later worked as a real estate agent, and in the restaurant supply business. She also owned and operated a bakery in Billings. After retiring, she lived in San Diego, Redmond and most recently Missoula with her three children. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly.

She is survived by her three children, Angela Drake of San Diego, Carolyn Reed of Missoula and Donald (Celia) Drake of Redmond; five grandchildren; two brothers, David and Joseph (Donna) Chambers, Missoula; two sisters, Alice Page and Janet Benson of Great Falls; sister-in-law Phyllis Chambers of Missoula; and 16 nephews and nieces.

Cremation services are through Cremation and Burial Society of the Rockies. A Celebration of Life ceremony is planned for June 2016 with a reception following in Missoula. The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Arthritis Foundation.


Read Carol Dritshulas ( Drake)'s Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.