There was a family party on 4 May
2026 to celebrate Marian’s 100th birthday! She was born on 4 May
1926 in San Fernando, California. The family moved to Roseburg Oregon when
Marian was six and she grew up there.
After High School she moved back
to California and met George Rankins at San Bernadino Valley College. They were
married on 12 June 1947.
In 1958 they moved north and
Mariean received an elementary education degree from Humboldt State College.
She taught first grade for many years at Pine Grove, Redwood, Lake Earl and Joe
Hamilton schools in Del Norte County.
Marian loved traveling and road
trips. She went to all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and many European countries.
She was an avid birder and took many trips around the country to look for
birds.]
Marian was a lifelong constant
reader and always had a stack of library books at hand. She also loved working
crosswords and jigsaw puzzles. Marian was an accomplished seamstress, knitter
and weaver but her real passion was counted cross stitch. She created many
complicated beautiful and prize-winning pieces of art. If a friend or relative
really admired a specific stitchery, she like as not just give it to them.
Marian was a member of the
California Redwoods Carolers and made half a dozen caroling trips to Europe,
singing in such places as Westminster Abbey, Notre Dame Cathedral and
Canterbury Cathedral.
Marian was preceded in death by
her parents Doyle and Anne Smith, husband George Rankins, sisters Virginia
Wagner and Nancy Pentacost, and brother Robert Smith. She is survived by her
sons Neil Rankins, James Rankins his wife Kathy Wheeler, daughter Cynthia
Rankins, husband Stephen Weil, granddaughter Morgan Galliano and husband Robert
Galliano, Great Grandson Rowan Galliano. She is also survived by eight Nieces
and Nephews.
At Marian’s request, no services
will be held.