Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Monday

March 19, 2012

Bernice E. Rankin

----

BEULAH — Bernice Elvina Rankin, 93, of Beulah, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 17, 2012, at the Paul Oliver Long-Term Care Facility in Frankfort, with her family by her side.

She was born Dec. 10, 1918, in Frankfort, the daughter of John and Edith (Gunderson) Hansen. Bernice's father emigrated from Norway at the age of 14, and she was so proud of her Norwegian heritage.

Bernice was a long-time member of First Congregational Church U.C.C., in Benzonia, where she was active in Women's Fellowship. Bernice worked for George Petritz before going to work for the Benzie County Medical Care Facility (currently The Maples). Then she went on to work at Burwood Products in Traverse City, Malcolm Curtis Insurance Agency, and she retired from Miller Petroleum.

Bernice was an avid reader and a talented cook who loved taking care of her family. She enjoyed watching the news and keeping up on current events. She also loved to play cards and could often be found playing cribbage with her dear friend, Myrtice Maddock. Bernice will be remembered as a loving person who enjoyed spending time with and caring for her family and friends.

Bernice is survived by four children, Kathleen Rice, of Spring Arbor, Judith Herban, of Beulah, Gary Rankin, of Benzonia, and Christine (Edsel) Sharrow, of Traverse City; five grandchildren, Julie Kaye (Michael) Lohff, of St. Louis, Mo., Jyll (Scott) Mitchell, of Lakeview, Kimberly (Brian) Fish, of Marshall, Jeffrey (Tonia) Rice, of Spring Arbor, Michelle (Clarence Ramey) Herban, of Beulah; three great-grandchildren, Addison Mitchell, Aaryn Mitchell, and Hayleigh Rice; daughter-in-law, Patricia Rankin, of Lakeview; sister-in-law, Marcia Hansen, of Elberta; her special niece, Patricia Kaufman, of Frankfort; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Kaye Rankin Sr.; parents; son, Donald Kaye Rankin Jr.; daughter-in-law, Victoria Jo Rankin; two brothers, Harold Hansen and Gerhart "Gay" Hansen; and nephew, Dr. James Kaufman.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, with visitation one hour prior at Bennett-Barz Funeral Home in Beulah. The Rev. Daniel E. Furman will be officiating. Interment will follow in the Benzonia Township Cemetery.

The Rankin family wishes to extend their most heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Paul Oliver Long-Term Care Facility and to Bernice's roommate, Christina. They greatly appreciate the care, compassion, and friendship that was extended to Bernice and to the entire Rankin family during their time of need.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church U.C.C., or to Paul Oliver Long-Term Care Facility.

Bennett-Barz Funeral Home, in Beulah, is in charge of arrangements; www.bennett-barzfuneralhome.com.

Text Only