Catherine Irene Andries Rankin or “Sissy” as she was affectionately known, was born on September 5, 1953, in Many. The third child of Harold and Tillie Andries, she attended grade school at St. John the Baptist Catholic School and graduated from Many High School. She received her B.S. with honors from Northwestern State University in Math and Science Education and an M.S. as well later in life. Sissy married Mike Rankin on Nov. 22, 1975, and they have three children, Sarah Elizabeth and husband, Shane Wright, of Many; Amanda Cecile and husband, Jason Pfeifer, of Lafayette; and Michael Whitby Rankin of Lafayette. Sissy taught in math and science in both middle and high school. No matter what grade she was teaching, she encouraged her students to reach beyond what they thought was possible. She also believed that each one had the desire and knowledge to achieve their best. Sissy was a devout Catholic and strong in her faith, always involved in the church community. After an 18-month battle with cancer, she passed away on July 10, 2014 at her home in Many. In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her granddaughters, Alaina Clair Wright of Many, and Ava Catherine Pfeifer of Lafayette; sisters Mary Beth Tarver, Many; Margaret Preston, Dallas, Texas;
and Jo Anne Boydstun, Many; brother Bill Andries, Many; mother-in-law Ruth Rankin, Anchorage, Alaska; sisters-in-law
Toni Purcell and Gloria Hoge, Anchorage, Alaska; brother-inlaw Jack Rankin, Lafayette; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 15 at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Many with Father Thomas Elavunkal officiating. Burial followed in the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Many. Pallbearers were her sons-in-law and nephews; Shane Wright, Jason Pfeifer, Matt and Andy Tarver, Pete Preston, Joe Boydstun, and JC and Thomas Andries. The family offers sincere thanks to Sissy’s special friend, Betty Edwards Hunt, for her loving care for Sis. Online condolences may be made to the family at www. warrenmeadows.com