Benita L. Settles Rankin

Benita L. Rankin was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Benita will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

       She was the daughter of Ben and Dorothy Settles. Benita was brought up in a career US Air Force family, and lived in many parts of the US and overseas.

      Benita was raised with two brothers, Art and Mike. Benita was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings shared many life experiences over the years.

      A typical teenager, Benita had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

      Benita enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Benita was able to manage the balancing act. She earned her nursing certificate at Simi Valley, California Community College.

       Empathic and loyal, Benita was committed to making her new family happy.

      Benita worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Benita was blessed with one son, Bradley and two daughters, Casey and Dianna.

      Fortunately, Benita enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Benita worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Benita was a nurse in Tarrant County for over 20 years, retiring after 18 years service with Grapevine OBGYN group in 2013. Benita always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Benita’s faith was important to her. She was a member First Baptist Church of Colleyville.

      Benita passed away on July 2, 2016 at her residence in Bedford, Texas. Benita fought a brave 5 year battle against lung cancer. Benita is survived by her loving husband, Larry, of 39 years. Benita is lovingly remembered by her children: son Bradley Rankin; daughters, Casey Rankin, and Dianna Rankin; step mother, Renee Settles of San Antonio; brothers Art Settles and wife Joey and family of San Antonio/Waco; Mike Settles and wife Mary and family of San Antonio; sister-in-law Debbie Pischke and husband Ken of Woodstock, Georgia; and brother-in-law Mickey Rankin of Woodstock, Georgia. Services were held at First Baptist Church of Colleyville, Texas. Benita was laid to rest in Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.

      Benita's passions were her love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; her unwavering dedication to her family; her selfless participation in activities at First Baptist Church Colleyville; and her God-given ability to initiate and maintain relationships among acquaintances, friends, patients, and those suffering from illnesses such as her own. Benita was an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Benita leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Benita L. Rankin.

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Benita Louise Settles Rankin passed away at her home in Bedford on Saturday, July 2, at age of 66, after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in April, 2011. Benita is predeceased by her mother, Dorothy Louise Settles, and father, Col. Ben H. Settles, USAF (Ret). Benita is survived by her loving husband, Larry, of 39 years. Benita is lovingly remembered by her children: son Bradley Rankin; daughters, Casey Rankin, and Dianna Rankin; step mother, Renee Settles of San Antonio; brothers Art Settles and wife Joey and family of San Antonio/Waco; Mike Settles and wife Mary and family of San Antonio; sister-in-law Debbie Pischke and husband Ken of Woodstock, Georgia; and brother-in-law Mickey Rankin of Woodstock, Georgia. Benita was born at Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1950. She was brought up in a career US Air Force family, and lived in many parts of the US and overseas. She graduated from Bedford, Massachusetts High School, and received her nursing certificate at Simi Valley, California, community college. Benita was a nurse in Tarrant County for over 20 years, retiring after 18 years service with Grapevine OBGYN group in 2013. Benita's passions were her love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; her unwavering dedication to her family; her selfless participation in activities at First Baptist Church Colleyville; and her God-given ability to initiate and maintain relationships among acquaintances, friends, patients, and those suffering from illnesses such as her own. The visitation service will be held at Bluebonnet Hill Funeral Home, Colleyville, on Monday July 11th from 6PM to 8PM. A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church Colleyville on July 12th at 10AM, with Senior Pastor Craig Etheredge officiating. Burial service will follow at DFW National Cemetery at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lungevity Foundation, in the name of Benita Rankin; http://lungevity.donordrive.com/campaign/benita