Rolla F. Rankin

Rolla F. Rankin, 82, died Thursday, June 20, 2013, at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita.

He was born April 18, 1931, in Bedford, Iowa, to Carl and Frances (Masters) Rankin. On June 30, 1950, he married Helen B. Blacketer in Maryville, Mo., and she preceded him in death on May 15, 1983.

Rolla was retired from maintenance with the Newton School System. He enjoyed bluegrass music, camping and traveling. He also enjoyed spending time in his garage tinkering and fixing things. His family was important to him, and he enjoyed spending time with his loving family and friends.

Rolla is survived by his daughters, Catherine Rankin of Hesston, and Patricia Rankin of Kansas City; sons, Mark Rankin of Pratt, and Steve Rankin of Newton; brother, Donald Rankin of Maryville, Mo.; and sister, Mary Rankin of Omaha, Neb. He also has five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and daughter, Janet Brack.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Steve Bowman of Federated Church in Whitewater presiding. Visitation will be 5 to 9 p.m. Monday at Petersen Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Newton. Following the committal service, all are invited to join the family at the Breadbasket for a time of sharing and fellowship.

Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers to Caring Hands Humane Society, 1400 S.E. Third, Newton, KS 67114.

Read more: http://www.thekansan.com/article/20130622/OBITUARIES/130629732/1031/OBITUARIES#ixzz2X9c21WNS