Avis Mercedes Rankin

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Woodward High School University of Toledo

Avis Rankin Obituary

RANKIN Avis Mercedes "This is a day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Avis Mercedes Rankin passed away peacefully and was called home on March 25, 2009, to be with her loving Savior and many extended family members and friends who have preceded her in death. Avis was the loving wife of 63 years to Robert Rankin, a long serving Toledo area Dentist who preceded her in death in 2003. She is the mother to daughters, Mary Dee Dryer and son-in-law, Dr. Richard Dryer; Deborah Ann Pinnock and son-in-law, Richard Pinnock; son Mike Rankin and daughter-in-law, Ruth Rankin. Avis leaves behind her loving grandchildren: Dr. Richard Dryer and his wife Dr. Rehka Modur Dryer; Geoffrey Dryer, Mary Dryer, Richard Pinnock, Jr., Michael J. Rankin and his wife Taylor Rankin and Katherine Rankin. Avis Rankin was born in Toledo, Ohio on February 25, 1914 to George and Lillian Mayer. As the middle child, she was preceded in death by her parents and brother and sisters: Phyllis Hartman (Haldon); George "John" Mayer (former owner of "Mayer's Ice Crème"); Vivian Glattes (Kenneth) and Virginia Ellison (Claude). A 1931 graduate of Woodward High School, Avis attended the University of Toledo and later graduated from the then Stautzenberger Business College. When she could, Avis enjoyed working in her mother and father's grocery stores that were later sold to Dick Anteau in 1938. In 1940 she married Robert Rankin who served in the WWII Pacific Theatre including Okinawa as a U.S. Navy Dental Officer. During the war, Avis supported the war effort through her full time job at the former Hetrick Tent Company in Toledo. After the war, Avis, with her husband Bob, raised three children and were long time members of Memorial Lutheran Church in Toledo before retiring to spend full time at their home on Lake Erie. "Service above self", the Rotary motto is how Avis lived her life. In addition to being a good Mom and wife, Avis volunteered in many ways. Her service to others included teaching Sunday school at Memorial Lutheran Church for many years; Girl Scout and Cub Scout pack leader; Red Cross volunteer; American Cancer Society volunteer; Meals on Wheels volunteer delivering meals to shut ins; and, past PTA President of the former Horace Mann Grade School in Toledo. She loved to travel with her children and grandchildren. Her son Mike attributes his Mom's longevity to good genes; staying engaged in life; and, treating others with love and compassion. Family and friends are invited to visit from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 12 Noon, on Monday, March 30th, in the Ansberg -West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, Ohio, (419) 472-7633. Rev. Christine Young will officiate. Interment will follow in Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. The family encourages donations, in lieu of flowers, to the donor's choice of charity. Avis is best remembered by all as a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, neighbor and community volunteer who worked tirelessly in the service of others. Family, friends and people mattered most to Avis. Online condolences may be made at www.ansberg-west.com

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Published by The Blade from Mar. 28 to Mar. 29, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Avis Rankin

2 Entries

Dave Walrod

March 28, 2009

Mike

Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. It seems that even if they had a long full life it is still very hard when they leave us.

I recently lost both my Father and Mother at the age of 91 so I understand your sorrow.

Dave

michael haney

March 28, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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