Phyllis Marie Rankin
On Monday, January 20, 2025, Phyllis Marie Rankin passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children. Born in Evart, Michigan on September 23, 1936, Phyllis lived a life dedicated to loving God, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and others. As a devoted Christian, she has called Charlotte Free Methodist Church, now Discovery Fellowship, her church family for the past 62 years.
Phyllis graduated from Evart High School in 1955 and attended college at Michigan State University to become a Home Economics Teacher. She left school to marry Robert Thomas Rankin, Sr. in 1957. They were blessed with six children, and Phyllis was considered a second mom to all of her children’s friends and many in the neighborhood. Phyllis held various jobs throughout the years, and she received a Lifeguard Certificate, CASA Training Certificate, Cosmetology License from Burrell Institute, and earned two Associate Degrees from Lansing Community College in Business Marketing with Honors and Business Management with Honors.
Reaching out to her community, Phyllis helped with 4-H (sewing and gardening) and served as a Troop Leader for Campfire Girls. She also volunteered her time with CASA for Kids, the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, the Eaton Area Senior Center, and at her church. She was always ready to lend a helping hand and a listening ear.
Phyllis is survived by her six loving children: Corinne (Greg) Cooper, Robert Rankin, Tammie (Steven) Pickrell, Patricia Rankin, Alan (Dawn) Rankin, and Verna (Dara) Croze-Monajemi; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; sister, Janice Blank; sister-in-law, Bonnie Yarhouse; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernie and Jessie Yarhouse; brothers, Vernie (Pete) Yarhouse and Richard Yarhouse; former husband, Robert Rankin, Sr.; Nancy Rankin, Dorothy Mahon, Elizabeth Rankin, Arlen Blank, Joseph Rankin, Jr., Conrad Kawel; granddaughter, Jessica Tate; grandson, Matthew Rankin; and son-in-law, Larry Robbins.
At the heart of Phyllis’ world was her family and friends, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Maybe that was why she was always smiling with her infectious smile.
Phyllis loved many things. She always looked forward to reading and studying the Bible with her Bible study groups. It brought her great joy to cook, bake, and deliver goodies and gifts to her family, friends, and neighbors. She loved to sing, play the piano and trombone, and listen to music of all kinds. Phyllis enjoyed sewing and helping others learn to sew. She loved traveling adventures, participating in activities, and supporting her loved ones at their events.
As we remember Phyllis Marie Rankin, we can imagine her Maker telling her, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” May the legacy she has left continue to bless and inspire us to live selfless lives full of smiles, grace, faith, strength, compassion, generosity, joy, and love for God and others.
A visitation was held at Pray Funeral Home (401 W. Seminary St., Charlotte, Michigan) on Friday, January 31, 2025, 5-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 1, at 10:00 a.m., prior to Phyllis’ Going Home Celebration at 11:00 a.m. There will be a gathering to follow at Eaton Area Senior Center (804 S. Cochran Ave.). Her Celebration will be webcast at www.PrayFuneral.com, click on Phyllis’ tribute page, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Donations can be made to Discovery Fellowship Church.