Georgia Buckowitz Rankin was called to eternal life on April 1, 2025, at the age of 85. Georgia was born April 4, 1939, in the City of St. Louis, Missouri to Louis and Georgia Buckowitz. Georgia leaves behind her beloved and devoted husband, Francis Rankin, her daughter, Rachel Rankin Ebeling (Sean) and son, Matthew Louis Rankin (Erica). She was the adored grandmother “Gammy” to Maris, Lucy, and Bridget Ebeling, and “Gre Gre” to Max and Clara Rankin; a beloved aunt and cousin, and friend to many.
As the daughter of city politicians, it was only fitting that she was born on election day. After attending St. Thomas of Aquin Elementary School, she continued to Bishop DuBourg high school where she met lifelong friends. Upon graduating from high school, Georgia attended Maryville College, later Maryville University, where she received a degree in Political Science. She embarked on her career in the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office as Executive Secretary to Hon. James Corcoran. In that position, she met the love of her life, Frank, who applied for an open position and was subsequently employed as Grand Jury Court Reporter in the Circuit Attorney’s Office. Two years later, they married in an epic ice storm on December 28, 1968, and their beautiful marriage lasted 56 years. After staying home to raise her children, she managed the office at what had become known as Rankin Reporting, where she sat alongside her husband as he grew his court reporting business.
An avid reader and writer, Georgia enjoyed conversations about books, mystery novels, and adventures in the literary world. She loved to travel, visiting friends and family whenever the opportunity came about. Her sense of humor and quick wit carried her through life. She deeply loved her grandchildren, and relished hearing their stories, taking them out shopping, having sleepovers, and sharing a laugh and a hug anytime. Georgia had a soft heart for animals her entire life and loved the joy that their pets brought to their family. Her smile will be cherished and missed by all who loved her.
Georgia’s family would like to especially thank those who provided care for her in her final weeks of life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Georgia’s memory to The Angel Band Project or Our Little Haven.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 9:30-11:00 AM at St. Stephen’s Protomartyr Catholic Church, 3949 Wilmington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63116. Funeral mass will be held immediately after at 11:00 AM.
To Frank, Rachel, Matt and families, I am so sorry for your loss. Georgia was such a good friend to me at a time in my life when I needed her the most. I have so many memories of her and all of the good and bad times we shared. I will cherish those and my good fortune having known her. All my love to you.
I am so sorry to learn of Georgia’s passing. She was such a sweet, fun lady! I enjoyed spending time with her every time there was an opportunity. Mine and Lonnie’s condolences to my dear cousin Frank and the families. Much love to all of you.
I am so sorry to hear that we now live in a world without Georgia. She was truly a force of nature! What a warm, wonderful presence for all who knew her. Sending love and prayers to all of you.
We’re going to miss you Aunt Georgia! You were a force to be reckoned with and an amazing soul. I only had fond memories of my times with you Georgia and you will be missed <3
i will miss our nights playing scrabble and laughing over
creative spelling. Just sitting on the deck with a glass of
wine talking about politics, books and our kids.
She was my friend and neighbor for almost 40 years she
can’t be replaced.
R.I.P. my sweet, funny friend.
My heart goes out to the entire family. I will miss Bunnie who was a wonderful friend to me as a young girl and whose friendship was renewed later in life. I will always remember us going shopping on Cherokee street and “working” in her Mom’s card shop as kids. She was one of my bridesmaids when I married. Then when we reconnected years later, I enjoyed meeting her for lunch at Panera’s. We would reminisce about our families connections and the good old days in South St. Louis. She was so wonderfully witty and someone with a big heart. I pray for her family as they grieve her passing.
The family of John Dietzler, first cousin to Georgia sends its condolences. Many happy memories of Georgia performing in plays and my father John debating Louie for hours on political topics.. Georgia senior and Georgia were always smiling and entertaining us young cousins. We were all blessed to have known the Buckowitz and Frank Rankin families. God looks after all of us.
GEORGIA WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL SWEET LADY.
Rachel- I have such fond memories of your mom when I came over to play as a child. It was always so much fun running across the street from Granny’s house. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Matt and your dad during this difficult time. May the wonderful memories of your mom bring you comfort in the coming days.
My condolences to Frank, Rachel and Matt and your families and her friends. I will miss knowing Georgia was there in St. Louis enjoying her family like the last time we saw each other, which was too long ago at her mother, Georgia’s funeral. Agree with other of my siblings I will always have fond memories as a child sharing holidays and visits. Georgia (Bunny) and I talked during Covid checking families were ok and exchanged Christmas cards. I thought I would make it back to St Louis before this day came. We had a chance encounter at a rest stop in Indiana one summer that will always highlight how wonderful and sharp of a person she was. We hadn’t seen each other for years and yet she recognized me before I saw her and she asked if that was me and we both laughed at the odds of running into each other. We caught up for a while, what we’re doing and how was everyone. A visit with her was always positive and enjoyable. She was a thoughtful, kind relative to me and others and sounds like a really wonderful wife and mom and grandmother. I know I was blessed to have her in my life. May your memories bring you comfort. I won’t be able to make her funeral as I currently arrived yesterday to visit my son and his family in Savannah, spring break, which I’m sure all of you experienced is a time to visit those school age grandchildren. When I am next in St. Louis I will come by to see Frank and whoever is able to visit then. Much love and prayers for all of you through these days. You are in my thoughts. Love, Jane Dietzler