Edna Marie Rankin lived a long and full life of 97 years, and left this world on October 15, 2022 at her home in Temple, Texas. She was born to Asa and Essie Williams on May 10, 1925 in Braman, Oklahoma, but her family settled soon in Blackwell, Oklahoma, where Edna attended school and graduated from Blackwell High School in 1943. Blackwell was also where she met the love of her life, Chester “Chet” Rankin, who she said she knew all of her school years. She worked in the library in the evenings, and had their first kiss in those bookshelves. In 1943 Edna moved to Wichita, Kansas, living with her sister, Mildred, and friend Helen, and working at Beechcraft. Chet followed her there, but soon joined the Marines, serving in the South Pacific. Edna attended the University of Oklahoma until Chet returned from the service, and soon were married on January 5, 1947 at First Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas.
Edna worked outside the home, but was always a wife and mother first. Her work career ranged from secretary, to Wesleyan University bookstore manager, and finally Accountant for Fleetwood Homes, from which she retired in 1987.
Her hobbies were plenty, from being a wicked bridge player, sewing, and flying. She achieved her private and commercial fixed wing ratings, and loved flying to see her parents and grandchildren, as well as participating in Ninety-Nines and EAA functions.
Her sewing turned from beautiful clothes and home decor to quilting, and her creations are cherished by many family members and friends. Edna was a lifelong learner and knew the value that hobbies and the friends you make in those pursuits are precious.
Edna was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Chester Rankin, on September 16, 2006, her parents, brother Harris Williams, and sister Mildred Stiger. Edna said she was always loved by someone her whole life.
She is survived by her son Stephen Rankin and wife Evelyn of West, grandson Jeff Rankin and wife Kristi of San Saba, grandson Chris Rankin of Waco; daughter Susan Neuburger of Olathe, Kansas, grandson Billy Neuburger and wife Jaime of Bozeman, Montana, granddaughters Stephanie Neuburger and husband Nathan of Nevada, Missouri, Kelly Akins and husband Chris of Olathe, Kansas; daughter Nancy Birdsell and husband Mike of Rogers, grandson Mickey Birdsell and wife Jennifer of Ft Worth, granddaughter Anna Marie Lee and husband Cody of Victoria; the family includes 14 great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00am Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Closner Cemetery near West, Texas. The family will receive visitors from 4-6:00pm Friday, October 21, 2022 at the funeral home.
