Helen J. Rankin

CHARLESTON – Helen Jane Rankin, 98, of Charleston, passed away Monday, November 2, 2026 at Willow Breeze Hospice House.

The funeral service honoring her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church, 311 Seventh Street, Charleston, with Reverend Mary Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery, Charleston. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.

Helen was born May 12, 1928 at Coles County, Illinois, the only child of Owen W. and Mary (Beardsley) Rankin. She is survived by her dear friend and long-time care giver, Connie Douglas of Charleston, and numerous friends and her loving church family. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Helen was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Charleston. She had retired from the Coles County Circuit Clerk’s Office and also Eastern Illinois University. Helen loved spending the winter in Arizona, staying at the Ghost Ranch Lodge, and traveled the world, sometimes with Pat Shoot, and other times she adventured out on her own. She enjoyed knitting, and faithfully walked her dogs every day.

Helen always had pets, and she took care of each and every one the only way she knew how, with lots of love and attention. The friendships she cultivated over the years helped see her through each season of life, with Helen being a blessing to each of them, as much as they had been for her.