Obituary of Marilyn R. Rankie

Marilyn Ruth Rankie passed peacefully on to her heavenly reward on December 2, 2019 at 6:15PM at St. Mary’s Hospital, Amsterdam.  Her beloved cousin and dear friend Beverly and her nieces Jeanne and Carol comforted Marilyn through her final hours.

Marilyn was born on May 29, 1930 in Amsterdam to Louis Charles Rankie and Ruth Elizabeth Sawyer Rankie.   A lifelong resident of Hagaman, NY; she worked at Mohawk Carpet Mills as a clerk in the shipping office and briefly at Amsterdam Print.  Marilyn was a talented, avid knitter who made sweaters, mittens, hats, baby blankets and afghans for those she loved.

Much of her life was dedicated to caring for friends, family, and elderly folks in her community.  Marilyn cared for her mother and father in their final years and for many members of her community after she retired.  Many will fondly remember her as “the taxi lady” or simply “Aunt Marilyn.”

Her nieces and nephews will remember Marilyn fondly as “Auntie Grumble.”  Marilyn’s immediate and extended family meant the most to her, and she made everyone smile with her sweet personality and her endless giggles.  

Marilyn was of the Methodist faith and a 25-year member of the Eastern Star; she held the office of Assistant Marshal. Marilyn participated in the the Meals Alone Together Program at The Calvary Reform Church in Hagaman.

In her later years, her nephew, Charles; niece, Jeanne; and her cousin, Beverly cared for Marilyn.  Her parents and her brother, Charles Louis Rankie, predecease her.  Marilyn is survived by her nieces Jeanne Rankie So, Carol Rankie Waller (Bill), and Nancy Rankie Shelton; her nephews, Charles Louis Rankie, Jr. and John Edward Rankie (Eileen) and her cousins, Beverly Stewart Johnson (Raymond) and Jean Stewart Mason.  Her brother’s wife, Claudette Jane Rankie, also survives Marilyn. Her many great and great-great nieces and nephews and cousins will also miss her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 12p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam with the Rev. Laurence C. Greenwold officiating.   Calling hours will be held prior to the services beginning at 10a.m.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend.  Private burial will take place in the Hagaman Mills Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department, 126 S. Pawling Street, Hagaman, NY 12086.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com