Joan Emily Rankin

Joan was the first child of Frank Rapp Sr and Emily Rapp, born on March 4, 1931 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She grew up in Clark, New Jersey before marrying Milton John Rankin on October 22, 1952. Upon marrying she became a US Air Force military wife, which continued for over 20 years. Being a military wife, she moved often with her family, living in several places in Texas, Arkansas, Germany, New York, Maine, and New Jersey. After her husband retired from the military, they lived in Toms River, New Jersey, followed by Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and eventually settled in Visalia, California in 1979.

Joan was a busy homemaker and the mother of five children. After moving to Visalia, she had a chance to develop interests related to her church, joined several bowling leagues, and did extensive genealogy research with her husband while also volunteering to help others do their own research. She loved to read, was a member of the Disney Collectors Society, was a member of the Red Hatters, and belonged to a women’s group in support of veterans, where she helped do fund raising and acted as the group’s treasurer for a time.

Joan is survived by her son James (Jean) Rankin of Kennedale, Texas and grandsons Christopher and Austin, daughter Janet (Rich Acosta) Garbe of Lafayette, CO and granddaughter Allyson (Todd) Gullette, great-grandchildren Deegan and Bryce, grandson Daniel (Tina) Garbe, daughter Joanne (Mike) Avery of New Mexico, and daughter Jeanne Rankin of Visalia, CA. Joan was preceded in death by her parents Frank Rapp Sr and Emily Rapp, brother Frank Rapp Jr, husband Milton Rankin, daughter Judith Rankin, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Joan will be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

In respecting Joan’s wishes, there will not be a formal service.