Oleta Nell Rankin

Oleta Rankin, 83, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on July 3, 2012 in Shannon Hospital surrounded by her family and friends after a brief illness.

Oleta Nell Mask was born September 27, 1928 in Mercury, Texas to James Ard and Bessie (Foster) Mask.
Oleta married the love of her life, Lonnie Rankin, on April 8, 1948 in Brady, Texas.

Oleta was a gentle, loving soul who worked steadily in the background helping her husband in the printing and publishing business while also being a housewife and raising two children. She worked for the Telephone Company in Eden and Miles in the 50’s and worked at Black’s in Ballinger in the 1970’s.

Oleta was a member of the Miles Order of The Easter Star until its demise, a member of the Miles Preservation Authority and a staunch backer of all the activities of her children and grandchildren, traveling many miles to watch sporting and one act play events. She also loved going to cook-offs with the family and was the chief taster at these events.

Oleta is now reunited with her husband, Lonnie, who preceded her in death on June 22, 2012, only two short weeks apart.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers Mode, Louie and Malcolm Mask.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna Glass and husband John, her son Steven and wife Paula all of Miles; her grandchildren, Casey Glass and fiancée, Cassie Patschke; MarLon Rankin;, Chel’C Rankin; CiJi Dickson and husband, Lee; Coby Glass and wife, Kathy; and Caden Glass; two great-grandchildren, Ryleigh Glass and Cole Dickson; two sisters, Aneta Doyal of Brady and Willene Dunning and husband, Gene of Lampasas; cherished friends, Bill and Jean Tomlinson of Pottsville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at the Miles United Methodist Church on Friday, July 6, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 7, 2012 at the Miles United Methodist Church with Pastor Gary Karschner officiating. Burial will follow in the Miles Cemetery.

Pallbearers are her adored grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers are her great-grandchildren.