Paula Kathleen (Daugherty) Drake

Paula Kathleen Drake, age 76, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Born on August 14, 1948, Paula was the daughter of the late Norman Edward Daughtery and Dorothy Welch. She spent several years working at the Mad Hatter Hat Factory in Oran, Missouri, but her greatest and most cherished role was caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Paula was a lively soul who loved being surrounded by family. She lit up every room with her stories, always keeping everyone on their toes with her wit and sass. She loved traveling and going on trips, never turning down an adventure. Whether it was watching tennis, playing the slots on her phone, or belting out karaoke tunes (especially if Elvis was involved), Paula knew how to have fun and enjoy the moment.

She is survived by her children: Brian (Debra) Frala, Larry (Leslie) Frala, Scott (Veronica) Pyatt, Ronald Deen Pyatt, Christina (Kevin) Miller, and bonus-son, Mike Drake; her sisters, Pam Sharp and Beth (John) Bell; 17 grandchildren: Brian, Ryan, Lanny, Brandon, Ronnie, Cody, Christopher, Alex, Colton, Justin, Ashley, Alyssa, Sarah, Chelsey, Tesla, Damaris, and Victoria; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews who all loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Dorothy, and her sister, Phyllis Ray.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hutchings-Pendergrass Funeral Chapel. A Memorial Service will be held at Harvest Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2484 Old Toll Rd., Jackson, MO, 63755 on August 16, 2025, at 12:00pm.