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Virgil Glenn Rankin

Virgil Glenn Rankin, 86, of Marion, formerly of Richwood, passed away early Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 23, 1939, in Martinsville, Ohio, he was the son of Robert and Elsie (Thompson) Rankin. Virg graduated from Martinsville High School in 1957, excelling as an athlete in basketball and track. He subsequently attended Miami University in Oxford, majoring in education, and was affiliated with Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and the University Men’s Glee Club. Upon graduation, Virg commenced his teaching and coaching career at the Richwood - North Union School District where he served for 34 years and influenced numerous students. He married his soul mate, Jani Kay McBride, on November 17, 1967. The date was set between fall and winter sports. During his tenure, Coach Rankin led student-athletes in football, basketball, cross country, and track and field. Multiple state qualifiers represented Richwood - North Union under his guidance in various track and field and cross-country events. His professional recognition includes the OATCCC District Coach of the Year award for Cross Country in 1988, the OATCCC longevity award in 1995, and the exemplary contribution and service award from the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) in 2002. The Richwood Relays, which he directed for years, were renamed the Virg Rankin Invitational in 2015 in his honor. Virg was highly involved in both the community and the educational sector. He helped establish the first union for classified employees at Richwood Schools and was a founding member of the North Union Athletic Complex (NUAC), contributing to the enhancement of school athletic facilities. Additionally, he participated in the Athletic Boosters and served on committees dedicated to improving Richwood Park. Following his retirement from education, Virg pursued a career in journalism, working as a staff writer and sports editor for The Marysville Journal-Tribune and Richwood Gazette. He was a recognized presence at Central Ohio sporting events, reporting extensively on the accomplishments of local athletes. His interests also included singing, and he was a member of the Marionaires Men’s acapella group.  Virg enjoyed being part of harmony, blending in, not needing to be the loudest voice, just making the whole sound better.  It is a perfect metaphor for who he was. Virg had a keen interest in history and reading historical fiction, enjoying frequent visits to historic sites nationwide, particularly Washington D.C., alongside his wife, Jani. He was brilliant but never showy, steady, kind, and grounded.  The kind of person who didn’t need attention because his presence was the impact.  He was humble, dignified, and deeply caring.  His influence didn’t stop with his own family, it rippled outward into a whole community. He is survived by his wife, Jani; sons, David (Bethany) Rankin of Byhalia; and Matthew (Amy) Rankin of Oregon, Ohio; grandchildren, Cadence, Sarah, Jason, and Andrew; great-grandchildren Lydia and Sophia; and brother Keith. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Elsie Rankin; sisters, Wilma Heldt, Rosalie Townsend, and Linda Rankin; and brother Kenneth Rankin. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM at North Union Elementary School, 420 Grove St., Richwood, OH 43344 with Pastor Jeff Webb officiating.   Friends may call 3 hours prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM at the school.  A reception will follow in the elementary school cafeteria. It is encouraged for those in attendance to wear orange & black. All of Coach Rankin’s track and cross country athletes will be honorary pallbearers. Memorial gifts may be made to the North Union Track Parents Association, 401 N. Franklin St., Richwood, OH 43344. The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com Florist Login

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Condolences       to #1 from: Randy Evans Camden,Ohio Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 4:04 PM Coach Rankin took me from a D and F student in the Seventh grade to an 😘A/B student and a State Track athlete in High School. Coach Rankin was instrumental in helping me attending Otterbein College where I was a decathlon champion. All this wouldn’t have been possible without his leadership and dedication to his student athletes beyond high school. The values I achieved through his love and dedication to Track and Field and his love for each of his athletes has always guided me in my own Teaching and Coaching career. Virgil Rankin was a God send in my life. I wish to express my condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Jani and their family. May God continue to bless, comfort and bring peace to their heart in this time of hardship and grief. Randy C. Evans class of 1972 #2 from: Matt Roller Waxhaw Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 4:50 PM My thoughts and prayers are with you all.   #3 from: Kevin Kirk Florida Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 5:10 PM Coach Rankin was a huge figure in my life. He even favored me so much all fellow students nicknamed me VIRG. I attribute my 35 year law enforcement career to Coach Rankins guidance and discipline he instilled in me starting in 7th grade. Mrs. Rankin Im sorry for your loss, but know Heaven has gained a man who influenced and touched hundreds and hundreds of young lives...God bless you and your sons. #4 from: Rita Lou Rubeck Headington Parker Richwood, Ohio Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 5:44 PM Jani and family - Virg was a fine man and excellent role model for so many!  Our school and community are better places because he taught, coached, and lived here -- he has influenced so many.  Treasure the happy memories. #5 from: Jim & Gayle Minter Phoenix AZ Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 6:22 PM Jani and family, you have our deepest condolences at this time. Jim & Gayle Minter Phoenix, AZ #6 from: Reddy Brown Richwood Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 6:54 PM Coach Virg was incredibly influential in encouraging youth like me to work our very hardest to achieve success thru running.  He was always with us, pushing us to work towards our dreams.  After High School, Virg continued to be a great friend and example of community leadership.  I love Virg and Jani and Dave and Matt and treasure growing up with them in Richwood, at NU, and on George Street. #7 from: Tom and Ruby Gwynn   Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 7:32 PM Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Rankin family. I had many deep discussions with him about baseball long before Matt worked for The Tigers. He was a big Cincinnati Reds fan. I remember him on the playground telling me about Waite Hoyt. I cherish the discussions we had. #8 from: Janet Chadwick Richwood Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 7:45 PM Lifting you all up in my thoughts and prayers! Mr.Rankin was one of the first teachers I met when I started as a substitute. He always checked in on me asking about my day and how he could help. He always made that building a welcoming place. His kindness and generosity shined in everything he did for academic and athletics. #9 from: Sue Dilsaver foreman Petersburg MI Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 7:52 PM Jani and family,  I am so very sorry about your loss. Verg was a real sweetie, respected by all of us. And you two were a perfect match!!  Ivan and I are sending our love and confolences #10 from: Patricia Passwaters London Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 7:56 PM Prayers. Jani and to your family. Virg was an awesome individual. I enjoyed working with him and watching him coach young athletes. #11 from: Rona Penix   Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 8:40 PM My thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry to hear of Mr Rankins passing🙏 #12 from: Lynne Ledley   Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 8:52 PM Jani and family my thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. He Will be sadly missed. #13 from: Neal Handler   Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 5:14 AM I was saddened to hear about Virg's passing.  I was fortunate to have worked with Virg in the 80's and 90's at North Union Junior High.  Virg was an excellent teacher and track coach.  But most importantly, he was a good person.  He was so smart, not just in knowing about history, but smart in so many different areas.  I often thought that if Virg appeared on the game show Jeopardy, he would win!  My sympathy goes out to Jani and the entire Rankin Family. #14 from: Sue Dilsaver foreman Petersburg MI Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 7:46 AM Jani..  It saddened me to hear Verg passed.  He was such a blessing..  a true family man and an asset to the school and Community.  Ivan and I are sending condolence's and hugs to you and the family with our love.  🙏💙🙏 sue and Ivan #15 from: Gail DeGood-Guy & Tom Guy  Richwood Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 8:06 AM Richwood's 8th grade class (1963-64) was Virgil's first teaching assignment!  Classmate Dale McBride would later become his brother-in-law.  On behalf of the NU Class of 1968, we send Jani and his entire family our deepest sympathies.  We also send gratitude for all he did for our class.  Rest in Peace, Mr. Rankin.  You led a life well lived.   #16 from: Stacey Flach-Moore Prospect/  Richwood Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 8:32 AM Truly a good soul.❤️.  Hugs to you all. #17 from: Frank  shamblin 72248abc@gmail.com Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 8:57 AM A great teacher and good friend. My God bless. #18 from: Wayne and Regina Evans Frazeysburg, Ohio Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 9:30 AM I loved Mr Rankin. He taught me, coached, and always encouraged. My favorite story though came from Jr Hi. He offered an A for the course (I think it was history) if anyone would recite the Preamble to the US Constitution. I tried to get that A! But when he caught me saying “prosterity” instead of “posterity,” I failed. I think he was relieved. In the end, I got the A, but I had to earn it with my coursework. He was great! #19 from: Jim & Pat McElroy   Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 12:02 PM "Mr. Rankin" was one of my best teachers and remain a friend of our NU Class of 1968.  He even came to one of our class get togethers.  Always a smile on his face.   Sincere sympathy and prayers to all of his family and friends. He will be missed! #20 from: Sharon landon Lakeview ohio Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 12:47 PM So sorry for your loss. May God hold you and comfort you and your family as only He can. #21 from: Marty Harrison Powell Ohio Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 1:16 PM Best teacher, honest and fair at coaching, all around good man in his community service and family. It was an honor to know him. He will be missed, prayers for Jani and family. #22 from: Stacie Reese Beltz   Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 2:18 PM Somehow I ended up having the fortune of having MR. Rankin in both 7th and 8th grade. Then to find out I had him as an instructor again my freshman year. I guarantee I said I had the fortune, him, probably not as much. I loved history snd still do. The problem was I could never remember the dates of past events. I could tell you what happened, just not the historical date that went with the event. So no, i wasnt an A student, because those dates made our answer correct on paper. I remember him so graciously trying to work with me on ways to help remember. Other teachers would of just let me fall, but not him. I thank him even now,for continuing to bolster my love of history. To his wife, Jani and family... I am.so truly sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. #23 from: Mary Lu Swartz   Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 3:19 PM My deepest sympathy to all Virg’s family.  I remember my Great Aunt Nellie telling me of a new red hair freckled young man renting a room from the folks in the house diagonally across the street from them (the old Elliott house). He was a new teacher in town   Years later I would have Mr. Rankin for Jr High history.  I remember he loved POP quizzes to make sure you read the previous night’s assignment.  I also remember trying to recite the Preamble. Jani, you and Virg together made each other better.  What he meant to his student athletes you meant the same to your Jr Choir kids at FUMC.  Those kids loved you and sang their hearts out for you.  Virg left a positive impact.  What a great legacy to have! #24 from: barbara benton kemp   Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 4:31 PM well, this was a day i’ll never forget,  when mr. rankin drove up to the school.  we were all watching him and looking at his old car!  thinking oh boy, he’s going to be a real winner!!!  and ? little did we know, after we all got to know him, he was a winner indeed!!! he was a great friend, and teacher,  and role model!!!  we all loved mr, rankin! RIP dear Mr. Rankin, you will be missed by many!!!!!🙏🏻 #25 from: Paula   Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 7:25 PM Sincere condolences for your loss.   #26 from: Susan Garwick Slagle Rushsyvania, Ohio Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 8:17 PM Dear Jani and Family, Sending prayers for comfort at this time with memories of a man who left such a positive mark on his community. May Jesus hold you close. Susan #27 from: Doug & Lorie Patton Richwood Sat, Mar 21, 2026 at 2:31 PM Sending prayers to Jani and family, Virg was quite the character. I always loved talking with him after the girls softball games. He definitely influenced many students while teaching and coaching at NU. Sending our sincere condolences, he will be greatly missed! #28 from: Nancy Wiley Richwood, Ohio Sat, Mar 21, 2026 at 6:42 PM To Janie and the Rankin family I extend my deepest  sympathy.  Virg was one of a kind and touch many lives.  He will be missed but his legacy will live on at North Union.   May God give you strength at this difficult time. #29 from: Beckie McMahan  Congrove and Mike Marysville Sun, Mar 22, 2026 at 12:53 PM Dear Jani and Family, we were so sorry to learn of your loss.  He was a quiet, calm and thoughtful person that will leave a gap in our corner of the world.  Sending prayers and blessings to you all.  Sincerely Mike and Beckie Congrove ( class of ‘64 and ‘62) #30 from: Teresa Price Gosser Columbus Mon, Mar 23, 2026 at 10:08 AM Mr. Rankin was one of the best teachers I had. His passion for American History and sense of humor made his class one of the best I took in high school. He made such a huge difference in many students' lives and in our community. My deepest condolences. #31 from: Burt Rogers Nationwide Childrens Mon, Mar 23, 2026 at 1:52 PM Matt I am very sorry your father has passed He has a lifetime of teaching, coaching and community contributions. The lives he touched and the benefits they received from their association with your dad are incalculable. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time Respectfully, Burt Rogers #32 from: Lynne Ledley   Tue, Mar 24, 2026 at 9:12 PM Jani and family, my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Virg influenced many lives in the classroom, coaching, sports reporting and our Richwood community. #33 from: Carol Brown Nevada Tue, Mar 24, 2026 at 10:05 PM Mr. Rankin.... always the guy any felt student seen and heard. Your famous pop quizzes made us prepare so we did well. And I know we all experienced you suddenly dropping a stack of books on the floor. You knew how to quiet a whole floor of classrooms! Everyone respected you and you respected us. You will always be one of the best teachers we were lucky to have. Thank you for taking time to tell me my artwork was exceptional. I made it on the front page of the Las Vegas Sun, to being featured at a USS Pensacola Reunion, to being recognized as an exotic animal artist. You made me believe in myself. You are in God's safekeeping. Sweet Dreams, Virg Prayers to your loved ones. Carol Brown North Union '69 #34 from: Doug Sonja (Webb) Horn Mount Solon, Virginia Wed, Mar 25, 2026 at 9:17 AM Mr. Rankin is a memorable teacher. In my Junior High years with American History was not my strong suit. Mr. Rankin would assign me extra credit work to better my  grades. Condolences to his family ! #35 from: John and Beth Gwynn Florida Wed, Mar 25, 2026 at 7:15 PM Virg was a wonderful teacher for me when I was in Middle School. Beyond that, he was a shining light in the community. He will be missed by everyone. Our condolences to the family. #36 from: Pat and Mike Hamilton Sebring, Florida Thu, Mar 26, 2026 at 9:38 AM Jani and family We were sorry to hear about Virg's passing. You have our deepest sympathy. He was a rock for North Union education and sports and will be missed. #37 from: Judy and roger harper Monarch nursing home marysville Fri, Mar 27, 2026 at 2:38 PM Sorry for your loss I remember him From high school class of 1961 #38 from: Dave Poling Prospect Sun, Mar 29, 2026 at 6:57 PM I only got to run for Coach for 1 year but select a very lasting impression on my life.  He was always pushing us to improve our times.  When I told him the year before that I wanted to run he told me to start running 2 miles at a time and if I got in 500 miles over the summer I would get a t-shirt to join the 500 mile club.  Somehow that worked for me and I was able to contribute to the team and had a great time making new friends and feeling like I belonged to something good. Thanks Virg for running the good race. #39 from: Chuck Caudill Anna Maria Island Sun, Mar 29, 2026 at 10:57 PM Jani, We treasure the time that we spent with you and Virg on the island and at the ballparks with Matt. Virg was someone very special and he always made us feel like family. We will miss him❤️ #40 from: Marge retterer McConnelsville, Ohio Mon, Mar 30, 2026 at 7:48 AM Jani, I am so sorry to read about Virg , didn’t know him well but I know about his many accomplishments!  I know you will miss him!  Sincerely, Marge retterer #41 from: Ryan Blue Michigan Mon, Mar 30, 2026 at 11:23 AM I have so many fond memories of Coach Rankin and North Union CC / T&F.  From the competitions to the team building excursions, we all worked hard, had fun, and grew as individuals.  Virg’s mentoring was kind but candid, always consistent, and had a huge influenced on the man I am today.  Godspeed Coach Rankin. My deepest condolences to the Jani and the Rankin family.  Ryan Blue, NU Class of 96 #42 from: Chuck Caudill Anna Maria Island Wed, Apr 1, 2026 at 5:15 PM Jani, We treasure the time that we spent with you and Virg on the island and at the ballparks with Matt. Virg was someone very special and he always made us feel like family. We will miss him❤️

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