On June 19, 2015, Phyllis Rankin, 86, formerly of Cheshire, OH, peacefully passed away at Holzer Assisted Living in Gallipolis. She was preceded in death by: her parents, Theodore and Bernice Spurlock; her husband, Lloyd E. "Dutch" Rankin; her sister, Jane Matney; and, her granddaughter, Shannon Rankin. She is survived by: her sisters, Jewell Brumfield and Lucy Cole; her brother, Robert Spurlock; her daughters, Patricia Gibbs and Dreama (Skip) Fumia; her son, Lloyd Vinton (Marcella) Rankin; grandsons Sean Gibbs, P.J. (Heather Roush) Gibbs, Anthony (Barclay) Gibbs; granddaughter Stacy Rankin; step-grandchildren Jason (Angie) Skidmore, Jonathan Skidmore, Jennifer (Michael) Mandrell; great-grandchildren Marshall, Carson, Landon, Ethan, Halie, Katelen, Macie, and Aaliyah; and, many nieces and nephews.

A beloved wife to her husband for 59 years, Phyllis was, first and foremost, devoted to her family, and, as the years passed, delighted with each new family member's arrival. She was happiest with a baby in her arms or a child on her lap.

Phyllis worked outside the home for many years, first as a waitress at the original Bob Evans Steakhouse, then as a cook for several area restaurants, the Guiding Hands School, and Overbrook Nursing Home. A lady of many talents, she was also employed as a supervisor at Robbins and Myers electric motor assembly plant in Gallipolis for several years.

For many years, Phyllis was an active member of the Cheshire Baptist Church, teaching Vacation Bible School, singing in the church choir, and serving as choir director. Later, she sang with Yesterday's Kids, a local performing group. When she wasn't singing, baking, or gardening, Phyllis enjoyed league bowling at Skyline Lanes, excelling at whatever she did.

During her last years at Holzer Assisted Living, she continued to exhibit her nurturing and cheerful personality to both other residents and staff. Most recently, she was gently cared for by her family and the staff there.

Phyllis was a fun-loving pixie with a dimpled smile who will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM. Wednesday June 24, 2015 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Crown City Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6-9 PM.
Pallbearers will be: Sean, P.J., and Anthony Gibbs, Jason and Jonathan Skidmore, and Skip Fumia.
An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com