Sarah Marie Rankin

Sarah Marie Rankin, age 70, passed peacefully on December 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Sarah was born on June 30, 1955, in Richmond, Indiana. She spent her early years in London, Ontario, Canada, where she developed a lifelong passion for the arts and was an avid figure skater.

While in high school, Sarah toured Europe with the Richmond High School Concert Choir and graduated in 1972. She went on to attend Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in performing arts. It was there that she met the love of her life, Rich Rankin. They were married on April 30, 1975.

The couple settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where they welcomed two children: daughter Rachel, born June 10, 1976, and son Douglas, born March 17, 1980. In 1981, the family returned to Richmond, Indiana, where Sarah continued to embrace her love for music and performance.

Sarah performed with the Whitewater Opera Company and Richmond Civic Theatre, appearing in numerous productions including South Pacific (as Bloody Mary), Nunsense, and Hello, Dolly!. Her passion for the performing arts was unmistakable and deeply felt by all who knew her.

She lovingly passed her love of dance on to her granddaughters Taylor, Lexus, and Katie, who danced from her first year through her senior year. Her great-granddaughter Scarlett continues this treasured tradition, keeping Sarah’s love of dance alive. Sarah also enjoyed sewing and crafting, generously sharing her talents with family, and especially cherished tie-dyeing days with her grandson Owynn. She was known for starting the beloved “cookie day” tradition during the holidays with her children and grandchildren. Sarah also loved trips to the ocean, where she delighted in the sun and sea.

Sarah is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Rich Rankin; daughter Rachel (Marty) Osborne; son Doug (Amanda) Rankin; and her grandchildren, who knew her affectionately as “Grammy”: Taylor, Lexus, Braiden, Katie, Owynn, Kaden, Jordan, and Chloe. She was also cherished by her great-grandchildren, lovingly called “The Great Ones”: John, Scarlett, Evren, and Dahlia.

She is further survived by her in-laws Jeannine Wieczorek, Sharron (Jim) Fienning, Linda (Dave) Massey, Mike (Debra) Rankin, and Tom (Christine) Rankin, as well as her nieces and nephews: Trisha, Yvonne, Ande, Matt, Rikki, Melissa, Cassandra, Ashley, Kayla, Kyle, Trevor, and Mary.

Sarah’s warmth, creativity, and love will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

There will be a celebration of life with immediate family at a later time.