Nancy Ann Rankin, 59, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2013, following a courageous battle with cancer, at the Golden Living Center in Cozad.
She was born December 26, 1953, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Wilfred J. and Elizabeth C. (Sanks) Juel.
Nancy was a 1972 graduate of Lexington High School and a 1976 graduate of Kearney State College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in teaching. She would later obtain her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She was united in marriage to Charles Rankin in the 1970’s, he preceded her in death in 2007. Nancy taught elementary school for over 20 years in Oklahoma. When her mother became ill, and after the death of her husband, she returned to Lexington.
She received many teaching awards throughout her career. She absolutely loved kids and although she had no children of her own, her students and nieces and nephews were “her kids”. Her niece, Jaszaman, always held a special place in her heart and life. Nancy enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and arts & crafts. She loved music and prior to becoming ill was taking guitar lessons.
Nancy was a member of LexChristian Church as well as the Genealogy Society.
Survivors include her mother; Betty Juel of Lexington, Nebraska; stepson; Jeff Rankin of Oklahoma and two step-grandchildren; special friend; Sherry Thaden of Lexington, Nebraska; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Nancy was preceded in death in addition to her husband, by her father and two brothers, John and Allan.
Funeral Services will be Friday, November 8, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at LexChristian Church in Lexington with Pastor K.C. BeDunnah officiating.
Burial will be in the Cozad Cemetery at Cozad.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 7, 2013, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
