Marjorie Ann Rankin

Marjorie Ann Rankin, age 93, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at her home. Left to cherish her memory are her seven children: Candice (Tom) Hrubovsky, James (Laurie) Rankin, Cheryl Rehling, John (Woodi) Rankin, Robert (Diane) Rankin, Donald (Brenda) Rankin, and Ann-Marie (David) Goodrich; her thirteen beloved grandchildren; her thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Marjorie is preceded in death by her husband, James Stewart Rankin, Jr.; her parents, Ernest and Marjorie (Herrick) Prior; and her two brothers: Ernest (Margaret) Prior, and Donald (Elizabeth) Prior.

Marge loved spending time with her family and friends. She was generous with her time and resources, hosting family celebrations and attending programs, games, and important events for her children and grandchildren. Her husband Jim was the love of her life. They enjoyed ballroom dancing together and were the hit of weddings and parties as they floated across the dance floor. Babysitting grandchildren and family “fur babies” kept her young at heart, and she was well known for spoiling all of them. Summers were spent at the Sunset Glen Resort, where many memories were made on the beach, in the water, at fish fries, and shopping in Glen Arbor. Extended family also played an important role in her life, and she formed close bonds with her many nieces and nephews. The Prior family farm in Pinkney, Michigan was a special gathering place. Wherever she went, she filled the room with love and laughter, and was the queen of funny sayings, jokes, and puns.

Marge loved being a part of the Livonia community. She was a Girl Scout leader of Troop 308 and involved in the Livonia Garden Club, Women’s Golf League, Merri-Bowl Women’s Bowling League, Livonia Senior Center, and Friends & Neighbors. She enjoyed volunteering at Angela Hospice, Angel’s Place, Greenmead, the Livonia library, and St. Michael’s church and school over the years. Marge was also an active member of St. Edith church and served on the funeral luncheon committee.

Marge enjoyed activities and traveling with family and friends. She frequently went to Longmont, Colorado to visit her son Robert and family, and fell in love with Estes Park. She traveled to Japan with her husband Jim in 1988 on a Ford Motor work trip, where they learned about the local culture and went on many fascinating tours. After Jim’s passing in 1994, her friends joined her on several trips and cruises to Hawaii, Canada, Switzerland, Stockholm, Alaska, St. Petersburg Russia, and many places in-between. She drove on the autobahn with long-time friends Joyce and Joan, but they were passed by the locals for not traveling fast enough. Marge was adventurous and outgoing, and even rode a donkey to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back. She had lots of fun on Gull Lake golfing trips and winery tours around the state with friends. For over 15 years she walked with a group of friends, who were once featured in the Livonia Observer for being one of the first to walk on the restored Hines Park bridge. She loved passing time and visiting with others while playing cards or games and doing puzzles.

Marge was filled with creativity that she poured into making cross-stitch, quilting, needle point, pottery, crafts and designing hand-made cards that she gave to loved ones for every occasion. She was an excellent seamstress who could make or repair anything. Marge sewed her own wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and made replica mini bridesmaid dresses for dolls that stood on the cake table.

Marge’s warm heart, quick wit, and generous spirit will be dearly missed. May she rest in peace forever in our hearts and be reunited with her loving husband in Heaven.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, June 3, 2024, at St. Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Road, Livonia, Michigan 48154. Marjorie’s family will receive visitors from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Sunday, June 2, 2024, with a Rosary Service taking place at 7:00 pm, at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia, 48152, and again at church on Monday from 10:00 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am. A burial will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Park. Share a memory with the family at harryjwilllivonia.com.