02/05/2015
Frances (Spencer) Rankin, age 84 of Knoxville passed away Thursday evening, February 5, 2015, at the Knoxville Hospital and Clinics.
Frances’ wishes were to be cremated and a celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, February 9, 2015, at the Winfield Funeral Home, with Pastor Jim Mead officiating. Frances’ family will be greeting friends one hour prior to service time, Monday at the Winfield Funeral Home.
A private family burial will be held at a later date at Graceland Cemetery of Knoxville.
Frances was born in Knoxville, Iowa on December 28, 1930, the daughter of Prosper and Hazel (Stice) Spencer. Frances was raised in Knoxville and attended Knoxville High School.
Frances worked at the Knoxville Overall Factory and later married Ralph E. Rankin. Frances and Ralph were blessed with two boys, Rick and Bill, before divorcing.
Frances was a homemaker for her family. She had cleaned houses, had worked at the Sale Barn Café, and for almost 20 years she worked for the Marion County Care Facility until her retirement.
Frances was a member of the New Covenant Church and she enjoyed old TV shows.
Frances is survived by her two sons, Rick and his wife Joni Rankin of Knoxville and Bill Rankin of Santa Monica, California; and three grandchildren: Shawna, Austin, and Kelsi Rankin. Frances is also survived by her sister 
Connie McCullough of Knoxville and good friend Dennis Mart also of Knoxville. She was preceded in death by her parents Prosper and Hazel Spencer; and her sister Marge Clark.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Frances’ memory has been established at the Senior Center of Knoxville. Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com. The Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is helping Frances’ family with services.