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Martha Schweppe Obituary
She was born Martha Moore Rankin on September 11, 1956, in Concord, to the late Dr. Richard B. Rankin, Jr. and Bertha Moore Rankin, of Concord. In addition to Bill, Sarah, and Mac, she is survived by her brother, Dr. R. Brandon Rankin, III, of Lodi, California, his wife Barbara, as well as nieces and nephews.
Martha grew up in Concord and graduated from Concord Senior High School. She attended Duke University, where she met Bill and graduated in 1977. She was a proud Duke alum and Duke basketball fan.
After their marriage in 1978, Martha and Bill moved to Detroit, Michigan, where she began her financial planning career with Bache Halsey Stuart Shields. The company merged and changed names several times, but she remained with the parent company for 37 years. She rose to the top ranks of what is now Wells Fargo Advisers. She formed The Schweppe Group with Bill, and was later joined by daughter Sarah. She was recognized in 2014 with the firm's highest honor, the Spirit Award, for her outstanding lifetime achievements.
Martha excelled in her career, but her greatest joy was her family. She was the perfect mom and was so proud of the people Sarah and Mac grew to be. Her husband Bill was her best friend, and they were devoted and in love for nearly 40 years. Martha was happiest when they were all together in Blowing Rock.
Martha loved hiking all over the world with Bill, and their adventures took them from Alaska to Ireland and countless places in between. She also enjoyed yoga, walking with friends, and gardening in both Blowing Rock and Charlotte.
Martha was an active member of Women Executives of Charlotte, the WINGS scholarship program, First Presbyterian Church, and was a member of the board of directors and chair of the finance committee of WFAE. Martha was an avid reader and loved her book club, "The Bookies."
Martha was a compassionate and thoughtful person, a loyal friend, and she made a difference in the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, and they will strive to continue her good work in the world.
The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall.
A service to celebrate Martha's life will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to First Presbyterian Church at 200 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202.
Arrangements by Kenneth Poe Services, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Schweppe
Julia Allen Brock
May 20, 2022
Bill and Brandon and families: just a quick note to let you know I'm thinking of you today and remembering Martha. It's hard to see the years pass without her and our other loved ones, isn't it? But the memories of them are great - and so precious! Hope you both are doing well and enjoying as much family time as you can get! My best to you both! Julia
Rick Harper
May 20, 2022
Martha will always be held up as the person who got me started on the most positive journey of my life. With her outstretched hand and friendly smile, she welcomed me to the Schweppe Group, and great things began to happen, and they still are. Sarah, Mac and Bill, you honor Martha in so many ways by how you relate to people, and I´m proud to call you friends, and continue to honor our friend, Martha.
Rick Harper
May 20, 2019
Martha changed my life from the first day we met. Her warm smile was my first memory of her. From that day on, she guided me in creating an exciting and rewarding life after my parents passed, as well as creating a legacy in their honor.
So many aspects of my life these days would not have happened had it not been for the Schweppe Family, and I honor Martha for setting it all in motion. God puts the right people in our paths at the right time, and Martha was definitely the right person for that time.
Most of us want to be remembered with a smile, and with our dear friend Martha that is easy, because she was, and still is one big smile for all who knew her.
Warmest wishes to the entire Schweppe Family, and warm memories of our very good friend, Martha.
August 7, 2016
Bill, Sarah, and Mac,
Jim and I were saddened to hear of Martha passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Karen and Jim Wells
Sybil and John Moore
June 20, 2016
Bill, Sarah and Mac,
We are very sorry we could not be there for the celebration of life service for Martha. Our hearts are saddened and go out to you along with our prayers for strength and comfort in the days ahead. I have fond, childhood, memories of Martha, Brandon, Aunt Bert and Uncle Dick as they visited our Papa Moore's farm in Collettsville, NC. I know you have many precious memories as well, and those memories serve to keep Martha close to our hearts. Our lives have been enrichened by Martha being a part of them. She will always be remembered and a part of us.
God Bless and keep you
With love Sybil and John Moore
Diana Allen
June 12, 2016
I am deeply saddened to hear of Martha's passing. She was such a nice person and I completely trusted her with my business. My heart goes out to her family and to Heidi her right hand for so many years. Many Blessings to all of you.
Matt Seiter
June 2, 2016
Bill, Sarah and Mac,
Our heart breaks for your loss and our prayer is for warm and joyful memories of your wife and mom that comfort you in this most difficult time.
Matt and Courtney Seiter
Blake Hood
May 31, 2016
Bill, Sara and Mac,
I just learned of Martha's passing... Heartbreaking news. My sincere condolences to each of you.
Cyndy Fenninger
May 31, 2016
I knew Martha only in her professional life. I have such great respect for her abilities and the sincere care and concern she had for her clients. I spoke to her fairly recently and in discussing our respective children, she shared with me her pride and excitement of having Sarah join the Schweppe Group. She will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss.
Stephen Dotson
May 31, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Kathy Gorton
May 31, 2016
Shocked and saddened. May you find peace in knowing how loved she was, and in your memories.
Jackie and Henry Weathers
May 31, 2016
Dear Bill, Sarah and Mac,
Each of you are, and will continue to be, in our thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful life and family you have; keep all of those memories in your heart. We pray that the memories will bring you smiles, even with your pain.
May God bless each of you and give you strength, comfort and peace.
Jackie and Henry Weathers
Chris Davis
May 31, 2016
Martha was and will always be a "light upon a hill" that will continue to inspire those of us who sought and still seek to emulate her high vocational standards of client care.
Martha was an industry trail blazer of the highest standards. May today's grief turn into tomorrow's inspiration.
Kim Schorr
May 30, 2016
Dear Bill, Sarah and Mac,
Please accept our sincere condolences on this sudden loss of your beloved wife and mother. Please know that you all have been and will continue to be in our prayers. Love, Chris and Kim Schorr and family
Hubert Humphrey
May 30, 2016
Bill & Family, I would like to express my sincere condolences. My prayers are with you and your family. Proverb 3:17,18
May 30, 2016
Bill and family...saddened to see the passing of your wife. All of you will be uplifted with our prayers and thoughts.
Lea Garcia
May 30, 2016
Bill, Sara, and Mac,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Martha and send our deepest condolances. Our families have been entertwined for so many years from Concord,to Seafarer, to Carolina. You are in our prayers.
Anna, Sara, Joe, Lea Garcia.
May 29, 2016
Bill & Family,
So sorry for your loss.
Ellen Palmer, NC
Elizabeth Currie
May 29, 2016
Mr. Schweppe, Sarah & Mac, we were so stunned and saddened to hear of Martha's passing. Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out to all of you.
Bob & Beth Currie
Dean and Lucy Butler
May 28, 2016
Bill,Sarah,and Mac.So sorry for the loss of your wonderful Martha.Wonderful memories return of time at the pool and tennis courts watching Sarah ,Mac and our kids compete and grow.Martha was always there with a smile that reflected a wonderful and gentle spirit.Her love and pride of all of you was so evident and May that be a source of sustaining strength.Our prayers are with you all.
Lillian Wilson
May 27, 2016
Martha's family, Brandon family, I am so sorry for your loss. She was brilliant in school and was a very kind person. I remember her in Girl Scouts! She could do anything. Praying for all of you. Keep her memories alive every day and she will never leave you.
Bob Henderson
May 27, 2016
So very very sorry for your loss.
Bill & Laura McConnell / Yandell
May 27, 2016
Words are inadequate to describe the hurt we feel for you. Martha was so vibrant, so full of life, and the love you felt for each other was evident. We are thinking of you in your loss.
Anne Scarboro
May 27, 2016
Martha will surely be missed!!! She was in charge of my retirement for many years and I couldn't have asked for anyone better or more knowledgeable. I first met her many years ago at a bridal tea she, her mom and sister were giving a friend. She was a very pleasant, friendly person and I am so saddened to learn of this tragic loss. My heart goes out to her family, both immediate and work.
Bailey Bartee
May 27, 2016
Our family grieves with you. Martha is a remarkable example for us all.
With deepest sympathy,
Bailey and Brandi Bartee
May 27, 2016
Bill. We see you lost an amazing woman! We are truly sorry for all of you! I run into John and Stuart some when I go to Shelby. My husband Tom remembers playing tennis with you. Such a fine family you come from. Love and prayers Tom and Candy Collins McCall
Julia Allen Brock
May 27, 2016
Dearest Bill and Brandon and families, My heart is broken for you today as I hear the news of your beloved Martha. What a wonderful, accomplished, lovely lady! Reminds me of her mom. She certainly lived a full and purposeful life, and a left for her children a legacy of compassion and concern -- so full of love and care! God bless you all. May He hold you close during these very difficult days. We're praying for you. Much love.
May 27, 2016
May,26
Bill,Sarah and Mac,I was totally shocked to hear of your loss.We were peers for 11 years at Pru-Bache, Martha was a excellent advisor and a outstanding role model for everyone she encountered. My heart goes out to your family and you will be in my prayers.
Ron Foster
Jim and Cambey Gallagher
May 27, 2016
Bill,
All of the Queens West community is saddened by your family's tragic loss. Martha was a shining light for all of us to follow. We will miss her.
Melissa Smith
May 27, 2016
From our family to yours, our hearts ache for you as we all make sense of the tragic loss of dear, dear Martha. I knew her as a selfless financial advisor and pioneer for women's initiatives at the company. I remember calling Martha to offer her a round of golf and was surprised to learn she accepted for the foursome but not for herself - only for her clients. Another time, she gave me wonderful council on choosing a school for our children over lunch in Southpark. The world has lost a great person and I, like all who knew her, will miss her.
Barb and Jim WILKERSON
May 26, 2016
Bill,
Words of comfort are hollow compared to your loss of Martha. Sarah, Mac, and you are in our thoughts and hearts.
Mimi& Larry Prussack
May 26, 2016
Bill, Sara, and Mac. We can't begin to imagine the loss and emotions you are feeling. Mimi and I are still stunned. It seems like we just saw Marthe in Detroit even though it was last fall. We send our deepest condolences at this most difficult time. Marthe has had a positive impact on our lives, as an advisor and a friend. We will miss her a great deal.
Eddie Price
May 26, 2016
Mac and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Even though I did not know or ever meet your Mom, I'm sure she was a great person and a great mom, because I know you. You would not be the kind , thoughtful, intelligent young man that you are if not for someone like your Mom in your life. It definitely shows. My sincere condolences.
Eddie Price (Mac's co-worker at Michelin Tire Spartanburg)
Mary & Jerry Cross
May 26, 2016
We've been clients of Martha for 37 years and, needless to say, we are shocked and saddened by her passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family and to her family at the Schweppe Group at Wells Fargo.
Hilli Evans
May 26, 2016
Devastated by this unexpected news. What a big hole I know this has left in the Schweppe family this week, but I hope that in time that hole will grow smaller as all the good memories fill it. As her freshman/sophomore year roommate at Duke, I have known the Martha and Bill since their beginning... for many, many years. Bill, you and she were a particularly close and adoring bond from the beginning. Sarah and Mac, you were lucky to have such a strong, smart, and loving Mom. I am devastated for you all.
May 26, 2016
Bill,
We miss you folks; you're in our prayers.The Beavers - Guy, Mary Ida and family
Rick Ruckart
May 26, 2016
Bill, Sarah & Mac;
Like the rest of the SouthPark office, I was devastated and deeply saddened when I learned of Martha's passing. Martha was always so genuinely kind to me and was simply an amazing person that will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick Ruckart
Nora Esthimer
May 26, 2016
I knew Martha through our shared profession. I am so very sorry to hear she is gone. She leaves a wonderful legacy.
Scott and Donna Krasner
May 26, 2016
To the Schweppe family and Group, our deepest condolences on Martha's passing. She helped us for the last 10 years and just recently called to see how our family was doing. Our prayers and wishes to all of you.
betsy webster
May 26, 2016
What a shocking loss for your family. The last time I saw Martha she was in Blowing Rock surrounded by family in a place I know she loved. i will treasure that memory of my dear cousin Martha.
May 26, 2016
Dear Bill,
No words can express how sad we are to learn of your loss...you and your family have been and will continue to be in our prayers as you go through this journey.
Our love to you all,
Amy and Eric Esterhay
Susan Kenney
May 26, 2016
"To live in hearts we leave behind...is not to die.
Debra Peterson
May 26, 2016
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Martha was a wonderful and bright person. I am thankful that she so graciously gave her time and knowledge to WFAE. She will be missed.
Stuart McGoogan
May 26, 2016
We love you, Mac. Your mom was one of the kindest people I knew. From your high school buddies, we're all praying for you and hope to see you soon.
May 26, 2016
Bil, Sarah and everyone at The Schweppe Group.....please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time and that God will give you the strength to get through it over time. Mike and Christel Hall
Priscilla & Michael Johnson
May 26, 2016
Bill, Sarah and Mac,
Mike and I send our deepest sympathy to each of you. The earth and all of us who knew and loved her lost a magnificent person, while Heaven and the Angels welcomed a beautiful soul.
Dub and Rhonda Trotter
May 26, 2016
Mac and family, please know that we were very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Although, we did not personally know her, we know that she was a wonderful mom to have raised such a fine young man. You all are in our thoughts and prayers and our sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Catherine Little
May 26, 2016
In honor of Martha Rankin Schweppe and her family. May her light continue to shine in your memories.
Leigh Short
May 26, 2016
Dear Bill - devastated to hear the news of Martha's passing. So many laughs shared on our hiking adventures over the last six years, not to mention the daily 'words with friends' games played. A wonderful, smart and beautiful woman who will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. Sending your family the biggest of hugs and well wishes from the other side of the world. Leigh (aka gh)
Daphne Honeycutt
May 26, 2016
Mr. Schweppe. Sarah & Mac,
I, like so many others, am trying to find the appropriate words to convey what the heart really feels. Martha was an amazing woman...I feel as if I "grew up" with her. Martha taught me so much as the financial advisor to our orthodontic office (Malone-Trahey & Simon, DDS, MS, PA), and she was always available to lend a helping hand or to answer any and all questions I may have had, as an office manager, to convey to the other employees. Her beautiful voice, smile & upbeat spirit rings in my ears tonight as I write this note with my deepest sympathy and condolences for you all. May God comfort you, give you peace in this time of tragedy and sadness, but most of all may He fill your hearts and minds with the most precious memories of this amazing wife and mother. God Bless you all.
Jan Beale
May 26, 2016
Bill, Sarah and Mac, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Martha. I will always treasure the memories of working with Martha. She was always a beautiful gracious lady. Love Jan
Carol Staton
May 26, 2016
So tragic that Martha's life was cut short...for you who loved her, and for the world that benefited from her fine mind and from her grace. My thoughts are with you as you grieve your loss.
Fran Howe
May 25, 2016
Bill, Sarah and Mac--Our family is keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers and we are deeply saddened by the news of Martha. So many memories of us all watching the boys play basketball together and going through CCDS. May God hold you up and wrap his loving arms around you. Fran, David, Jonathan, James and Joseph
Carroll Walton
May 25, 2016
So saddened and stunned. Grateful for Martha's guidance as Gus and I set out as a married couple and more recently welcoming our first child. Thinking of Bill, Sarah and Mac and will continue to keep them in my prayers.
David & Ann Meacham
May 25, 2016
Love and prayers for all with the loss of our great loving friend. Peace and comfort to all.
Rick Harper
May 25, 2016
To Bill, Sarah and Mac,
I'm still searching for the right words to say to you, but please let my prayers for you suffice for now. We'll share the right words and memories in the days and months to come as we remember a very special lady, Martha.
Peace be with you all,
Rick Harper, Charlotte
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