Obituary of Janice Lucretia Rankin

Janice Lucretia Rankin, 96, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away at Maple Lake Assisted Living in Paw Paw, on August 30th, 2021 with her son and daughter by her side. Janice was born July 26th, 1925, to the late Nicholas and Helen (Bolinger) Gancer in Almena Township, Michigan. Janice grew up on a family farm and quickly learned how important hard work and her family were to her. Shortly after graduating high school, Janice met the love of her life, John Rankin, and the two were inseparable until John’s death in 2017. Their wedding took place in the Almena Methodist Church on May 19, 1950. The couple had three children, Nicholas, Douglas, and Marcia. Janice enjoyed cooking and especially baking, which she delighted in sharing with her family. By nature, she loved the outdoors and was often found taking care of birds, tending to her flower gardens, spending time with her cats, or taking long walks. In her final days, Janice was known to embrace those around her and bring comfort to those living around her. Janice is preceded in death by her husband, John; one of her children, Douglas; both of her parents and two of her siblings, Richard Gancer and Virginia Eber. She is survived by two of her children, Nicholas Rankin of Kalamazoo, and Marcia (Michael) Torrey of Dexter, Michigan; three grandchildren; a brother, Charles (Kathleen) Gancer of North Carolina and many extended family members. In keeping with Janice’s wishes, she has been cremated. There will be no visitation or services. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so in Janice’s memory to the Almena United Methodist Church located at 27503 CR 375, Paw Paw, Michigan 49079 or to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan at 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009. Memories of Janice may be left for her family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.