Josephine M. Rankin

Josephine Mildred Rankin (Bashaw), born February 10, 1925 in Flint, Michigan, died Monday, August 27, 2012 at Clark Retirement Community in Grand Rapids. She was preceded in death by her husband of many years, Robert in 2011; parents, Henry and Isabel (Swedorski) Bashaw and her brother, Gordon. She leaves behind four sons: Mike (Linda), Jim (Dori), Joe (Meg), and Tom. She was the proud grandmother of 3 granddaughters: Mary Clare Middleton, Renae Gavitt, and Katie Rankin, and 3 grandsons: James (JR), John, and Thomas. She also leaves two great-grandchildren, James and Julia and many long-time close friends. From an early age “Jo” knew she wanted to be the best homemaker and mother so she put her heart and soul into practicing the home arts. She achieved her goal and was blessed with a marriage of 68 years and four fine sons. Cremation has occurred per her arrangement with Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 8, at 11:00 AM at St. Jude Church, 1120 Four Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids with Fr. Tom Page officiating. Memorial contributions in Jo’s honor may be made to Faith Hospice or Kid’s Food Basket.