Rhoberta "Berta" Drake

Rhoberta “Berta” Drake passed away peacefully at home from a long illness with cancer on June 19, 2025. She was surrounded by her “devoted husband Bill” of 33 years, daughter Cristie, and sweet dog Abbie.

Born and raised in the West Kootenays, Berta developed a deep love for nature, cultivated a remarkable green thumb, and forged lifelong friendships. At just 17, she became a loving mother to her only child, Cristie (Marty), who later gave her the joy of two beloved granddaughters, Megann (Sarbjeet) and April (Igor).

Berta lived in many places throughout her life—from the West Coast to the Cariboo, Rossland, and eventually Silver Creek—but her heart found its true home with her “cowboy Bill” on their cherished farm by the Pend Oreille River. There, she tended to vast gardens filled with many vegetables including asparagus, garlic, tomatoes, and even melons. Together, she and Bill raised horses, wild turkeys, and chickens, embracing the simple beauty and hard work of farm life.

Some of her happiest moments were spent with her grandchildren, watching them ride horses, play on the farm, fish and swim in the river. In her later years, Berta and Bill retired to the Salmon Arm area to be closer to her sister Helen and brother-in-law Donny, both of whom predeceased her.

Berta is lovingly remembered by her sister Barbara (Bruce); stepchildren Aaron (Joanna) and Tanya (Parry); grandchildren Natalie, Bennett, Landon, Cassidy and Lucus; many nieces, nephews, friends & family who were touched by her vibrant spirit and kind heart.

Rhoberta will be deeply missed, but her memory lives on in the lives she touched and all the trees she planted. We take comfort in knowing she is now galloping free with her beloved horse, Cortez.

A private celebration of her life will be held in the West Kootenays at a later date.