Obituary

Dunnellon - Elizabeth 'Betty' Drinkard, 86, died on November 29, 2014 in St. Petersburg, FL. She was born September 9, 1928 to the late Leonard and Rubye (Gaulden) Harper. She moved to Dunnellon in 1988 from Laporte, Indiana.
Betty was a true southern lady. She was strong when she needed to be. This served her well in the last months. Her house was partially destroyed in the middle of the night by a large oak tree whose root system finally gave way. Days later, Betty was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She lived with her best friend in St. Petersburg while plans were made for a move to assisted living in the St. Pete area. She gave up her house, her car and had to leave an area and life she had enjoyed for twenty-six years. Her strength and love of God allowed her to make these changes and continue to look forward to each day. She truly viewed each day as a gift. Betty was a gentle soul. She loved her family deeply. She loved unconditionally. To be her child, grandchild or great-grandchild meant you were special.
No matter how tired or sick she felt, every morning Betty dressed for the day - for this gift. The sunshine state lost one of its prettiest ladies on Saturday.
She is survived by her son, Albert A. Drinkard, III; her daughters, Kay Desmarais, Osceola, WI and Debbie Grovum, Sarasota, FL; her four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and her dearest friend of 68 years, Virginia Matthews, South Pasadena, FL.
Graveside Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the Dunnellon Memorial Gardens with Rev. Eddie Fulford officiating.