Jean RANKMORE

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RANKMORE: Jean Elizabeth Rankmore passed away in Carberry on June 22, 2010 at the age of 94 years. Jean was born at Harte, Manitoba on March 17, 1916, the only daughter of Dave and Elizabeth (Muirhead) Fitzsimmons. She grew up on her parents’ farm and attended the local Montrose School. Her grandmother Fitzsimmons lived in Carberry and Jean lived with her while attending Carberry High School. In 1943 she married Hugh Rankmore and moved to Fairview. Hugh operated a country elevator at Fairview and Jean was an important part of the operation. She fed men who worked at the elevator and salesmen and company travelers who happened to come to the elevator just before dinner. At times she took on the task of feeding crews who were building an annex or painting the elevator. Two teachers also boarded there. While she lived at Fairview she attended Summerville Church and belonged to various church organizations. She supported functions at Fairview School and the Fairview Community Club. She was a charter member of the Sharon Chapter of the Eastern Star. Jean also curled. She remembered curling a few games in the one sheet Summerville Rink under gas lights. She curled for many years in Carberry. In 1987 she retired to Carberry and the newly built Marshall Memorial Centre which was named for old neighbors from Harte. She enjoyed living in Carberry and taking part in the United Church and Drop-in activities. She loved company and had a long list of people she kept in touch with by phone. Reese and Kenzie were favored guests. Jean was predeceased by Hugh in 1985, her parents, her brother Clare, and sister-in-law Beth Fitzsimmons as well as brothers and sisters- in-law. Surviving are sons Gordon (Sharon) and Don (Linda). There are two grandsons: Scott (Sharon) and Kelly (Leone) and two great granddaughters: Reese and Kenzie. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Winnie Brandon and Lila McLeod and several cousins including the two remaining Muirhead cousins Margaret Hood and Myrtle Little. Interment was in the Carberry Plains Cemetery on June 26, and it was followed by a funeral service in the Carberry United Church with Peggy Reid officiating. White’s Funeral Home was in care of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 17, 2010