Marlene Draves of Port Charlotte, FL (formally of Burt, MI) passed away quietly on January 20, 2025 holding the hands of her loved ones.
She was born November 19, 1939 in Pontiac, MI to George and Evelyn (Morgan) Austin and was one of eight children. She graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1957. She married Lavon Draves on June 14, 1958 and they had 3 children and 42 years together.
Her beloved daughter, Kathy, lived with her for many years and they had good times together and enjoyed their dog, Chloe. In 2014 she moved to Port Charlotte, FL where she enjoyed sitting on her lanai and visiting with family and friends and reading novels.
Marlene will be sadly missed by her daughter, Dawn (Michael) Hodges of Port Charlotte, FL, son, Douglas (Wendy) Draves of Bay City, MI, brothers, Gary (Diana) Austin of Woodville, OH, Richard Austin of Brooklyn, MI, Ken (Marion) Austin of Williston, OH, Grandchildren Amanda (Daniel) Ayers of Sarasota, FL, Chad (Kristen) Hodges of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Jon Draves of Sardis, TN, Holly (Hipolito) Santiago of Calhoun, GA, Joshua Draves of Largo, FL as well as 13 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Granddaughters and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Special thanks to Solaris Healthcare of Port Charlotte, FL for their kindness and care of Marlene.
