Rankin, Louise Evelyn (Jones) 1925-2006

RANKIN, JONES, SHILLING

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/28/2008 at 21:09:06

Louise Evelyn Rankin was born on July 13, 1925 in Flagler, Iowa. She was one of 12 children born to Tressa Altheo Shilling and John Jonathan Jones. She grew up in the Tracy area and graduated from Tracy High School in 1943.

On November 29, 1942 Louise Evelyn Rankin was united in marriage to Loren LaVerne “Pete” Rankin in Unionville, MO. To this union eight children were born.

Louise was a farm wife and homemaker for many years. After the children were grown, Louise began working at the Knoxville Community Schools in the Food Service Department. She retired in 1999 after 30 years of service. She continued to substitute for the next 6 ½ years. Louise was a faithful member of the Knoxville First United Methodist Church. Louise’s life centered on her family and church. Her greatest joy was attending sport events and programs of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Louise Evelyn Rankin passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at the Knoxville Area Community Hospital at the age of 81 years, 5 months and 5 days.

Those family members preceding her in death were her parents; husband on July 22, 1996; one daughter, LaDonna Godfrey on April 15, 1995 and her husband, Alvin; one grandson, Lee Rankin on January 17, 1999, one sister, Loraine Tille and three brothers, Lester Jones, LaVerne Jones and Levi “Shorty” Jones.

Those family members left to mourn her passing are 7 children, Linda Steenhoek and her husband, Ron of Tampa, FL, Lana Rankin of Knoxville, Lauretta Utterback and her husband, Jim of Knoxville, Lyle Rankin and his wife, Barb of Bondurant, Loren Rankin and his wife, Kris of Harvey, Lori Rankin and Lynette Rankin of Knoxville; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one brother, Leonard Jones and his wife, Frances of Knoxville; 6 sisters, Leona Jones, Lena Bankus, Lucretia Spaur and Lily Sterling and her husband, Richard of Knoxville, Louretta Redding of Oskaloosa and Luella Parker and her husband, Hubert of Bussey; two sisters-in-law, Inez Jones, Roberta Orr (Gerald) of Knoxville and one brother-in-law, Harold Bridges and his wife, Charlene of Julian, CA.

A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, December 22, 2006 at the Knoxville First United Methodist Church with Pastor Neil Montz officiating. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery. Casket bearers were Alvin L. Godfrey, Jerry Parker, Cory Rankin, Colin Rankin, Cody Rankin, Patrick Steenhoek and Greg Utterback. Honorary casket bearers were Karen Godfrey, Kristine Godfrey, Kim Gomez, Rhonda Munsell and Lisa Rankin.

Musical selections were “Angels” from a CD by Randy Travis; “The Old Rugged Cross”, from a CD by Ricky Van Shelton; “Til the Season Comes Around Again” and “It Won’t Be the Same This Year”, from a CD by Vince Gill. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorials be given to the Knoxville Rescue Unit or the Knoxville First United Methodist Church.
Williams Funeral Home