Louise Evelyn (Jones) Rankin was born on Monday; July 13, 1925 in Flagler; Marion County, Iowa. She was one of 12 children born to Tressa Altheo Shilling and John Jonathan Jones. She grew up in the Tracy area and graduated from Tracy High School in 1943.

On Sunday; November 29, 1942 Louise Evelyn Jones was united in marriage to Loren LaVerne "Pete" Rankin in Unionville; Putnam County, Missouri. To this union eight children were born. Louise was a farm wife and homemaker for many years.

After the children were grown, Louise began working at the Knoxville Community Schools in the Food Service Department. She retired in 1999 after 30 years of service. She continued to substitute for the next 6 ½ years.

Louise was a faithful member of the Knoxville First United Methodist Church. Louise's life centered on her family and church. Her greatest joy was attending sport events and programs of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Louise passed away on Tuesday; December 19, 2006 at the Knoxville Area Community Hospital.

Those left to mourn her passing are seven children, Linda Steenhoek and her husband, Ron of Tampa; Hillsborough County, Florida. Lana Rankin of Knoxville; Marion County, Iowa. Lauretta Utterback and her husband, Jim of Knoxville, Lyle Rankin and his wife, Barb of Bondurant; Polk County, Iowa. Loren Rankin and his wife, Kris of Harvey; Marion County, Iowa. Lori Rankin and Lynette Rankin of Knoxville. Eleven grandchildren. Twelve great-grandchildren. One brother, Leonard Jones and his wife, Frances of Knoxville. Six sisters, Leona Jones, Lena Bankus, Lucretia Spaur and Lily Sterling and her husband, Richard of Knoxville, Louretta Redding of Oskaloosa; Mahaska County, Iowa. Luella Parker and her husband, Hubert of Bussey; two sisters-in-law, Inez Jones, Roberta Orr (Gerald) of Knoxville and one brother-in-law, Harold Bridges and his wife, Charlene of Julian; San Diego County, California.

Those family members preceding her in death were her parents; husband Pete, on Monday, July 22, 1996; one daughter, LaDonna Godfrey on Saturday, April 15, 1995 and her husband, Alvin; one grandson, Lee Rankin on Sunday, January 17, 1999, one sister, Loraine Tille and three brothers, Lester Jones, LaVerne Jones and Levi "Shorty" Jones. May they rest in peace.

A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, December 22, 2006 at the Knoxville First United Methodist Church with Pastor Neil Montz officiating. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery. Casket bearers were Alvin L. Godfrey, Jerry Parker, Cory Rankin, Collin Rankin, Cody Rankin, Patrick Steenhoek and Greg Utterback. Honorary casket bearers were Karen Godfrey, Kristine Godfrey, Kim Godfrey Gomez, Rhonda Steenhoek Munsell and Lisa Rankin.