Sharon Kay Rankin left this earthly world for heaven on May 25, 2026. She was born June 3, 1945 in Dayton, OH to Mary (Copp) and Edward Altendorf. Her sister Barbara Sue completed the family September 21, 1948. She treasured time at the rural Copp family farm with her many beloved cousins. She also loved to dance. She graduated from Julienne High School in Dayton, OH. She then attended Good Samaritan Nursing School and received her Associate's Degree as a Registered Nurse.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to Samuel Harrison Rankin on March 23, 1968 at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Dayton, OH. Their union was blessed with 4 children: Brendan Joseph, Samuel Patrick, French David and Mary Elizabeth. Sharon started her nursing career at Akron Children's Hospital in Akron, OH while Sam finished his PhD at Kent State College in Kent, OH. They then moved to Valley City, ND where Sharon continued various nursing jobs and Sam taught/administrated at Valley City State College.

Sam's career took the family to Billings, MT and then Chadron, NE. Sharon returned to her love of nursing in the Chadron Public School Systems as a school nurse. She was instrumental in the Dawes County Immunization Clinic, making sure all children had their necessary immunizations. She fully supported Sam's role as president of Chadron State College. She also served on the board for Nebraska Public Media.

She suffered an incomplete spinal cord injury in October of 2002. However, she remained eternally positive. She was grateful that she continued to walk for as long as possible. After Sam's retirement, they relocated back to the Dayton, OH area. After Sam's untimely passing, Sharon relocated to Lincoln, NE to be closer to Mary and family.

She always had the best snacks. She loved to read, sew and garden. She loved Hallmark movies. She worshipped the sun and loved the beach. Most of all, she enjoyed her time with children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for having the gentlest touch, unending patience and unconditional love. Her sweet smile and calming presence will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her husband Samuel, parents Ed and Mary, sister Barbara, parents-in-law Sam and Jane Rankin, and grandsons Remington and Camden Rankin. She is survived by her children: Brendan (Pilar Hsue) Rankin of Palo Alto, CA; Samuel (Vicky) Rankin of Phoenix, AZ; French (fiancée Jamie Morton) Rankin of Murfreesboro, TN; Mary (Aaron) Tucker of Denton, NE. Grandchildren: Robert (McKenna) Sieh, Laura Sieh. Allen, Grace, Claire and Lyndsie Rankin. Ashton and Avalyn Tucker. Great-grandson: Callum Sieh. Sisters-in-law: Margaret "Peggy" (Tom) Weckesser, Mary Ellen (Bob) Davis, Rita (Kurt) Rinehart, and Sally (Don) Carter. Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Services: Tuesday, June 2nd 10:00AM at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 4500 Duxhall Dr., Lincoln, NE 68516. Inurnment will be private at a later date. Flowers may be sent directly to the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals online at www.madonna.org/foundation/donate; by mail to: 5401 South Street, Lincoln, NE 68506; or by phone at 402-431-4777