Ingeborg Rosa Feller Rankin

Ingeborg Rosa Feller was born in Bavaria, Germany on February 17, 1929, placing her in that country during the volatile years of World War II. At the age of 20, unable to speak a word of English, she immigrated to the United States with her two year old daughter, Erika. The date was December 26, 1949 when she found herself disembarking from the Queen Elizabeth as it docked at Ellis Island. It was the last voyage made by that great ship. On June 24, 1958 she took the Oath of Allegiance, becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Sometime after her arrival in her adopted country, Ingeborg married Alva A. Rankin who preceded her in death. Her working years were spent as a secretary for the Orange County School Board in Orlando, Florida before retiring and eventually making her way to Tennessee. Born and raised as a Catholic, Ingeborg was a woman of exceptional strength and character, one whose experiences in life molded her into a formidable ally—or opponent.

Ingeborg Rosa Feller Rankin departed this life on April 9, 2018 at the age of 89 years, one month, and 23 days. She leaves behind her daughter, Erika E. Catalino and her husband Darryl of Savannah, Tennessee, her two sons Larry Rankin of Pueblo, Colorado, and Michael A. Rankin of Oviedo, Florida, and four grandchildren.