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Funeral: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Flora
Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Interment: Elmwood Cemetery
Bernadine Rankin, age 98, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Thursday morning, July 21, 2016, at Flora Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Flora.
Bernadine was born in Flora on October 23, 1917, to Samuel McCullough Bryden and Frances Susan McCommons Bryden. Sam was a building contractor and Frances was a school teacher. Bernadine graduated from Harter / Stanford High School in 1934. Her older brother, Norman, who preceded her in death, was a woodworker and cabinet maker and served as mayor of Flora. Her sister, Jane, lives in Flora in one of the many homes built by her father. Bernadine married Harold Rankin in 1940 and together they owned and operated the Rankin Photography Studio. Later they purchased the Flora Greenhouse and operated it until Harold died suddenly of a heart attack in 1967.
After Harold’s death Bernadine became the administrator for Branson Manor Shelter Care home (later re-named Flora Manor). Under her guidance this facility became the second home in Illinois to be certified for the exclusive care of the mentally disabled. Bernadine continued in this position until she retired after 18 years of service. At this time she launched another career doing extensive volunteer work and traveling both nationally and internationally. In 2006 a residential home for developmentally disabled adults in Flora, Rankin Estates, was named in her honor. At the dedication the administrator said “Bernadine has spent her life working to improve the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities.” Bernadine was the organist at the First Baptist Church in Flora for over sixty years, and received many awards over the years. She was recognized as Flora’s Woman of the Year in 1992 and Petersen Health Care Volunteer of the Year in 2007. She served on the Flora Library Board and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Hospital Auxiliary, Eastern Star, and the Flora Garden Club.
Bernadine is survived by her sister, Jane Gilliland; her daughter, Janna Rankin; her wonderful son-in-law, Arthur Frakt; two grandsons, Alex (Agata) Frakt and David (Lyudmyla) Frakt; three great-grandsons, Max, Quinn, and Danny; and one great-granddaughter, Roxie. She was very fond of her nephews and nieces, Joan, David, and Margaret Bryden; Jon, Joe, and Carole Gilliland; and Eddie, Chuck, and Karen Rankin.
A funeral service for Bernadine Rankin will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Flora. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Saturday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. In lieu of flowers a gift may be made in her memory to the Flora Public Library Endowment Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Oct 27, 1934 - Apr 21, 2024
May 31, 1946 - Apr 20, 2024
Aug 8, 1939 - Apr 18, 2024
Jul 20, 1934 - Apr 14, 2024
Aug 31, 1955 - Apr 12, 2024
My sincere condolences to the family. May you find peace knowing she is in the arms of our dear heavenly Father.
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked for her right out of high school and she was such a wonderful lady. She will be missed.
Our condolences to Janna and family, Aunt Jane and family and the nieces and nephews. We have such good memories of Aunt Bernadine and times spent with her. She was a colorful person and a good Christian woman. She is now basking in God's presence and enjoying her loved ones. RIP Aunt Bernadine ❤️
Janice, was so sorry to learn of your Mothers passing. She was a beautiful person . May she rest in peace and you have a lot of beautiful memories.
Janna, You know I have so many wonderful memories of your Mom. So sorry to hear of her passing. My prayer are with you and your family
Bernadine was a very sweet and special lady. I always enjoyed her when I was at the Care Center visiting my sister, and on Sunday mornings when we were there for Sunday School Services. She loved the music. She was always wanting to "go home." She finally made it!! My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Ah, many fine memories of Bernadine. I loved her humor and get up and go. A wonderful lady with a smile and huge heart for all that knew her.✝
What a wonderful, spiritual, and kind woman. She gave me organ lessons when I was a child. May she live forever in heaven.
Janna: so sorry to learn of your mothers death. I will always remember the wonder pictures your dad took of everyone whether it was school pictures, wedding, or whatever. And your mother was so gracious to always support him in any way possible. My younger sister spent lots of hours at the Rankin house and still talks about the good times there. Peace be with you all as you grieve.
Janna, as I read Bernadine’s obituary I have wonderful flashbacks of the many hours I spent in your home in Flora. She was like a second mother to me and I always felt so lucky to be included in many of your family outings as your pretend sister. Even though we have lived miles apart in our adult lives, I still feel a special bond to you and your parents. May we sometime in the near future enjoy some time together. Thinking of you and your family at this time with love.
Margaret, David and Judy so sorry for your loss. I remember when Margaret an I would be walking to or from town and we would always go by to see her. Just another wonderful childhood memory.
So sorry to hear about Bernadine she was a very sweet caring and had a very special heart . She gave me my first job right out of high school as her activity assistant at the flora manor. Have lots of found memories of her and she will be missed
This lady holds a place in many people's life in Clay County. May she rest in peace.
Fond memories of Bernadine from the First Baptist Church. Rest in God's arms Bernadine.
Janna & family, Aunt Jane & family; our condolences to you all at Bernadine's passing. She lived and loved life to its fullest and touched many lives and hearts during her lifetime. May your memories bring you comfort. Many things about her will be missed by so many. One thing I will miss and will never forget his her laugh. What a wonderful lady she was. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janna...my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have fond and lasting memories of your mother and our time together growing up in Flora. I know you are grateful for Bernadine's long and productive life.
Janna, we are so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was such a dearly loved lady, and she made her mark on the world. Bernadine was one of my Mom's favorite people .. they worked on many community projects back in the day. She will be missed, but we are thankful that you enjoyed the very best of Mothers.
Such a sweet lady and one that will be greatly missed. The Wickiser Family: Danny and Mona, Dixie, Charlotte Norman, and Janet and Larry Jones, and Sammie and Tina Wickiser. RIP
Rest in peace sweet lady. You were a beautiful role model for a lot of very special people.
A wonderful lady has gone 'home'. Such memories so many have of her. Mine are: as I am the secretary at FBC, when she was still playing the organ at the church, she have me play the piano with her. What a time we had! I play the piano 3 times/month at the nursing home and she would be right there beside me smiling, and sometimes joining me with her right hand! What good times. My granddaughter Kaylee got to know her at the nursing home and loved talking to her. Prayers to the family
So sorry to hear of aunt Beanies passing . My condolences to Jana, Jane and the rest of the family .
Jana and family, so sorry for your loss. Your Mother was a very special lady and will certainly be missed by all who knew her.
So Sorry for your Loss.
Bernadine was one of the reasons that First Baptist Church in Flora was home to me. Her big heart, big smile, and fun personality will always be unforgettable. We can rest in knowing that she has now met Jesus face to face. ❤️
A lovely lady with a great sense of humor and a true desire to serve Christ. She served in many compacities at First Baptist Church and the Flora Library. We have missed her presence in so many ways. Now she is at rest. Prayers and condolences to her family and friends. Be blessed.
I grew up in the First Baptist Church and fondly remember Bernadine as such a fixture. Her spunk, enthusiasm and devotion was a great example. Am saying prayers for the family in their loss.
My family and I were members of the First Baptist Church of Flora for many years. I can still remember Bernadine Rankin very clearly, because she was always at the organ when I walked in with my family. She was always smiling so pleasantly and enjoying every moment for the Lord. I don't remember her ever not being there for services, and she was always kind and very involved in the work of the church. She was a very special lady, and I know that she will be sorely missed by many.
There are no words to really describe Ms Bernadine. She was one of a kind for sure. We feel blessed to have known her. She sure made church interesting, anytime they would talk about a story in the Bible she would say "Ive been there" meaning both the time frame and then of couse actually being there...then she would give u that cute little wink she had. Our children grew up on Ms Bernadines wisdom and they loved her. I know that she is now in heaven and has earned her wings and is free, but for us here on earth it hurts to let her go. Thank u to the family for sharing her with us and we are praying for your peace and comfort during these difficult days
Bernadine was a wonderful lady! It has been my pleasure to know her. Our condolences to her family. God bless you.
I met Bernadine at the First Baptist Church when I was six weeks old. I grew up in that church and am still a member to this day. She was a wonderful lady and I am happy to have known her. May she rest in peace.8
I am so sorry for the loss of Bernidine she always made me laugh and smile
Dear Janna, From reading this beautiful obituary, I am hoping you and your family will have a special celebration time for your Mom. What gifts she gave her community! Big hug and love, Gini
What a grand lady!! Like all of Sam's children, Bernadine was quick-witted, funny, super smart, fun to be around and very compassionate. Same goes for Sam and Aunt Jean and for the generations that follow. I admire them all and feel blessed to have shared time and memories with each of them. From a Gaelic blessing - "Deep peace of the quiet earth to you - Deep peace to you." From the Bach St. John Passion - "Rest well."
Dear Janna and family - Our deepest sympathies go out to you, please accept our condolences.
We send our sincerest sympathies and prayers for peace. Bernadine was a beautiful person who will be sorely missed.
Janna, I am so sorry for your loss. It is a big one. Bernadine was special to me also. I will never forget the time she tried to get me to play the organ. Yes. She did. After a couple of "lessons" she decided organ playing was not my calling. So, I stuck to basketball. During the whole process she was as sweet and patient as anyone could be. There is now a hole in my heart.
this lady will be missed by many even children that growed up around her.she allways had time to show younger ones old values in life and what kindness do for other that help others.she has been missed for some time in and around the 4th street area.may she rest in peace because we all know god has a place for her now. far well my friend.
Janna, your mother was one of the best role models ever for Flora and the world! She was so talented, fun-loving, kind, and caring, and we'll never forget her!! We are thinking of you and your whole family.
Bernadine was a legend in Flora and at the First Baptist Church. We appreciated her music and good humor. She and my mom had lots of adventures and good laughs together. God bless you as you cope with this great loss, Jana and Family.
Janna, please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your mother. The times I was with her in Flora, I thoroughly enjoyed her wit and sense of humor. She was always a pleasure. Her enthusiasm for life is definitely reflected in you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
All of us ar CILA Corporation commensurate with Janna and family on the loss of our friend, Bernadine Rankin. As an administrator of Flora Manor, a job Bernadine had a "few" years ahead of me, we enjoyed wonderful moments discussing the great improvements that have been made in the efforts to integrate people with intellectual disabilities into the community. Bernadine was a funny person with great stories that often helped me put things in perspective. Heaven has gained an Angel in Bernadine and her life is one that should be celebrated and I will forever remember my friend with a smile and joy. Rest in Peace, Bernadune. Rest in Peace Beloved.
To Bernadine's family, you have my sympathies, Bernadine was an amazing woman !! I started my career under "her wing" . She had lots of "smart" and lots of common sense. It was my honor to work with her.
I loved Bernadine. I was never surprised by her many endeavors. She was a great role model for so many. I'm sure she is missed by her family.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
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