Edith Rankin

Edith M. (Dye) Rankin, 91, of Danville, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. She was born in Fairfield, Illinois on December 21, 1932, the daughter of the late William E. and Edith V. (Smith) Dye. In addition to her parents, Edith is predeceased by 6 siblings, Ruth Evelyn, Dorothy Jean, Edward Leon, David Allen, Sarah Elizabeth and Wanda June.

Edith grew up in southern Illinois. At 17 she married Joe Ivan Rankin. Together they enjoyed many years of working hard on their farm and Edith would can every last vegetable in the garden. She’d worked as a bookkeeper for their real estate business, as well as other local businesses. When the work was set aside, Edith loved to bowl, travel, and volunteer driving for Meals on Wheels. She was an active member of the women’s group at Bartlett Chapel. When life slowed down, Edith looked forward to playing the lottery and scratch-off tickets, feeding the squirrels and watching the hummingbirds. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be dearly missed and remembered for her funny, sweet, loving and honest spirit.

Edith is survived by her daughters, Sue Ann Christian and Barbara Lynn Smith; grandchildren, Steve Christian, Angie Coffin (Dan), Michelle Christian, Justin Smith (Sara) and Jessica Artz (Kyle), 8 great grandchildren; and last surviving sibling, her sister, Judith Ann. 

A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. in Danville South Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels of Hendricks County at http://www.hcmealsonwheels.org or mail to P.O. Box 409 Danville, IN 46122. Online condolences may be offered at www.heltonandharrisfuneralhomes.com.