Norma J. Drake, 97, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on August 4, 1926, to the late Elmer and Leona (Knauss) Price in Sugar Ridge, Ohio. She married her husband Robert C. Drake on March 3, 1947, and he preceded her in death on June 11, 2017.
Norma had a passion for working in the service industry. She was the owner and operator of Grandma’s Ice Cream Parlor in Portage, Ohio. She excelled thoroughly and the patrons whom she waited on loved her. Her first job was a ticket taker at Clazel in Bowling Green, Ohio, she then worked as a cashier at the University Dairy, worked 10 years at the Dutch Pantry and retired from Lawsons. Norma was an avid Ohio State Football fan. She enjoyed crocheting, painting and setting up at craft fairs selling her husband’s woodworking’s. She was instrumental in designing the concession stand at the old pee-wee baseball fields in Bowling Green, as well as being one of the original founders of Enright Park in Portage.
Norma is survived by her 7 happily married children; Ron, Don, Jerry, Jeff, Sue, Charley and Kelly, 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and her younger sister Mary.
Along with her loving husband Robert, she is preceded in death by her siblings Chuck, Sally and Lois.
The family would like to thank 4 special people who were present in Norma’s life assisting her with daily chores, and the upkeep of her home, Brittney, Carlie Grace, Jack and Sherri and her 4 grandchildren who took care of her over the last 10 years.
Memorial contributions may be given to Bridge Hospice at Wood County Hospital.
A visitation will be held on Monday July 1, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 W. Wooster St. Her funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 4:00 p.m. Dan Horner will officiate. It is encouraged by the family that guests wear OSU gear in Norma’s honor.
