Rankin, Helen Theresa

Helen Theresa Rankin, 79, of Galesburg, formerly of Alexis, died at 9:14 a.m. Sunday, April 19, 2015 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.

Helen was born April 10, 1936 in West Burlington, IA the daughter of Alvin P. and Emily French Levins.  Helen married Elmer Dean Rankin on December 8, 1956 in West Burlington, IA.  Helen is survived by her husband, Dean of Galesburg; four sons, Greg (Margo) of Rapids City, Michael (Nancy) of Raritan, James (Thelma), and Ronald (Eva) of Edison, NJ; two daughters, Therese (Dennis) Dexter of Litchfield Park, AZ and Mary Beth Rankin of East Moline; eleven grandchildren; and three great grandchildren and another on the way.  She is also survived by five brothers, John Levins and LeRoy Levins both of Burlington, IA, Russell (Colleen) Levins of Cedar Rapids, IA, Mark (Patti) Levins of Quincy, and Michael (Janet) Levins of West Burlington, IA; and four sisters, Marilyn (George) Weingart of Burlington, IA, Betty (Charles) Frey of Forsyth, Rosie Loper of Beaverdale, IA, and Paulette (Dean) Nichols of Burlington, IA.  She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Patrick, Donald, Arthur; and two sisters, Norma Raschendorfer and Carol Phillips.

Helen was a very spiritual woman and devout Catholic.  She was a homemaker.  Helen loved to be with her family, especially her grandchildren.  Helen loved the outdoors and gardening.  She was a fun loving person and enjoyed being around people.  She also loved her pets.

Cremation rites will be accorded.  A visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, 1849 N. Seminary St., Galesburg, with the rosary being prayed at 8 p.m.  A memorial mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2015 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2401 N. Broad St., Galesburg.  Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio will officiate.  Memorials may be made in Helen’s memory to the American Heart Association or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Midwest Affiliate.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com

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