Jo Ann RANKIN

RANKIN, Jo Ann
Passed into the arms of her savior at her home in Carmichael, California on April 17, 2012, at the age of 76. She died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones after a very brief but brave battle with cancer.

Jo Ann Soares was born in St. Elizabeth Hospital in Red Bluff on June 22, 1935 to Joseph and Verda Soares. Jo Ann grew up in Red Bluff, CA, and graduated from Red Bluff High School in 1953. There she was a longtime member of the Sacred Heart Church.

In 1955 Jo Ann married Max Rankin. For years she traveled with her husband throughout the west to his rodeo competitions while raising their three boys. She and her family eventually settled in Carmichael, CA, where she was a member of St. John's Evangelist Church.

Jo Ann worked for Pacific Bell for over thirty years. During this time she discovered golf, her true passion. She was a member of the Sunset Whitney Ladies Golf Club in Rocklin, CA where she formed many wonderful friendships and sunk three holes-in-one.

Jo Ann dearly loved her friends and family and never met a stranger. In minutes, she would have you laughing or eating, neither ever in moderation. Her generosity, love, and sense of humor were powerful forces that all who knew her will never forget. She was a true joy to be around and will be sorely missed.

Jo Ann is survived by her husband Max, sister Dolores Perry, sons Mark and Randy, granddaughters Holly and Krystal, a great-grandson, several nieces and nephews and numerous other relatives and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Jon Rankin.

Two memorial services will be held; the first in Carmichael, CA at St. John's Evangelist on Thursday April 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. The second will be held in Red Bluff, CA at Sacred Heart on Monday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.