Shirley Jean Drake is the wife of State Senator Richard F. Drake.  She and her husband have two children, Rick, who is a farmer in Muscatine County and Cheryll, who is a concert pianist residing in Connecticut. They also have six grandchildren.

Shirley graduated with a FA degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa majoring in piano, organ and voice.  Her music background includes: piano, organ, clarinet, marimba and xylophone.  Shirley is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, professional music sorority and has played in the Deagan Marimba Symphony in Chicago.

Shirley served two terms on the Iowa Arts Council and as president of the Council.  She has also served two terms on the Iowa Humanities Board.  She is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Quad City Symphony, the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra, and director of the bell choir at Grace Lutheran Church in Muscatine. rsdrake@machlink.com