Republic – Elma E. Rankinen, age 96, longtime Republic resident passed away peacefully on Wednesday January 15, 2014 at the Norlite Nursing Center in Marquette where she had resided since March of 2008. Elma was born February 21, 1917 in Ralph, MI the daughter of the late Alexander and Ida (Sarvasilta) Olander. She married Raino Rankinen March 14, 1938, settling in Republic, MI. In the 1960's they moved to Rosebush, MI, where Raino worked construction after which they returned to Republic. Elma enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, being a housewife, baking prune tarts which she was well known for and being a caregiver to members of her family. She also enjoyed visiting with her good friend Margaret and having coffee with her many friends and family members. Singing in both Finnish and English, watching Lawrence Welk and Tennessee Ernie Ford shows were also favorite pastimes of Elma's. She was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church of Republic and the Republic Area Historical Society. Survivors include a daughter Kathleen (David) Vogel of Marquette, brother Eino (Esther) Olander of Marquette, two grandsons – Steven (Theresa) Clement of Battle Creek, Curtis (Debra) Clement of West Bend, WI, six great grandchildren – Tyler (Jennifer) Clement, Jennifer Ward, Michael Clement, Curtis Clement, Alyssa Clement, Andrew Clement, a great great grandson Wyatt Ward, four step great granddaughters, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Elma in death were her parents, Husband Raino, sisters – Lydia, Martha, Helen, Helmi, brothers – George, Arvid and Arne. The family will greet relatives and friends from 2:00 - 3:00pm on Saturday January 18, 2014 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic. Funeral services will follow at 3:00pm on Saturday at the Bethany Lutheran Church with the Rev. Kevin Kaiser to officiate. Interment will take place in the spring at the Republic Cemetery. The family wishes to express their thanks to the Norlite Nursing Center for their compassionate and loving care for Elma. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church of Republic. The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be heard by clicking here.