Carol Sue Rankin

Carol Sue Rankin, age 86, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Carol Sue married her first love, Dennis “Denny” Rankin, in 1957 after they graduated from Sabina High School. The two later moved to Columbus while Denny attended The Ohio State University, and it was there that they began building their family. Carol Sue and Denny shared 62 wonderful years of marriage and, on their 50th wedding anniversary, renewed their vows surrounded by family and friends in a beautiful celebration of their love.

Carol Sue deeply loved her three daughters and poured her creativity, energy, and care into making their childhoods full of joy. She spent countless hours with them, swimming and ice skating on Brush Lake, playing ball outside, and baking homemade bread and treats. She was an exceptional seamstress, lovingly making her daughters’ prom dresses, majorette uniforms, and many special pieces for their homes. Carol Sue also had a love for photography and was rarely without a camera, capturing family events, holidays, nature, and the everyday moments she wanted to remember. 

She was thrilled to become a grandmother to Lindsey, James, Kirt, Kaylee, and Austin, and her joy only grew when she became a great-grandmother to Blake. Her family was at the heart of everything she did. 

Carol Sue enjoyed serving as the Tour Consultant for the Southwestern Michigan Tourism Council, where she promoted tourism throughout the surrounding counties. Her career in tourism began by giving tours at Tree-Mendus Fruit Farms near her home, and it quickly became something she loved. She had a gift for connecting with people, sharing the beauty and history of each place, and bringing every location to life through the stories she told. She later started her own company, Carol Rankin Group Services, conducting tours throughout the state of Michigan and along the East Coast.

That same enthusiasm carried into the things she loved personally. As a devoted Ohio State fan, Carol Sue held season football tickets for decades. She and Denny loved tailgating, and she loved watching the Ohio State band prepare for the game nearly as much as she loved cheering on her Buckeyes. When she could not attend in person, she always found a way to watch, no matter what state she was in at the time.

Carol Sue embodied strength, sensitivity, and unwavering loyalty. She loved her church and worshiped in the Methodist faith throughout her life. She had a gift for teaching people of all ages about the Bible and sharing her spiritual journey in a way that left others feeling encouraged and loved. Those who knew her were touched by her wit, honesty, faith, and deep love for her family and community.

Carol Sue leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love. She is survived by her daughters, Teresa O’Keeffe and her husband, Harold; Denise McCoig and her husband, Mike; and Krista Buescher and her husband, Todd; her grandchildren, Lindsey Bauers and her husband, Rourke, Kirt O’Keeffe, Kaylee Buescher, and Austin Buescher; her great-granddaughter, Blake Bauers; her brother, James Reese; her sister, Mary Lou Reese; and many beloved nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

Carol Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis Rankin; her parents, Mary Lois Reese and Earl Leroy Reese; her grandson, James O’Keeffe; her sister-in-law, Patty Reese; her nephew, Ritchie Gill; her grandnephew, Matthew Krabbe; and her grandniece, Bryston Lieurance.

A service to celebrate Carol Sue’s life will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Sabina Church of Christ, 185 South College Street, Sabina, Ohio 45169. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m.

As family and friends gather to honor and remember Carol Sue, they will celebrate a life marked by faith, love, strength, and devotion. May those who loved her continue to cherish the warmth she brought into their lives and the lasting impact of her spirit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Morris Chapel United Methodist Church, 4970 US Highway 311 N #57, Walkertown, NC 27051.  Donations may also be made online at:www.morrischapel.orghttps://app.easytithe.com/App/Giving/mcgiving