Stan and Dorothy Rankin

Stanley James Rankin was born in Champaign, Illinois, in 1934. Graduating from the University of Illinois in accounting and management, Stan spent his career working at the university in various management capacities. In addition to quilts, Stan loved history.  He generously shared that love by supporting many local historical and cultural institutions in east central Illinois in person and later in his will.  His beneficiaries include, Prairielands Council Boy Scouts of America, Japan House, Monticello Railway Museum, and Museum of the Grand Prairie. The new large artifacts storage facility at the Museum of the Grand Prairie outside of Mahomet, Illinois, bears his name in honor of his generosity.

Dorothy Jane (MacLeod) Rankin was born in Mattoon, Illinois in 1908.  She became a bookkeeper in Champaign, Illinois, as well as a wife and mother. During World War II, she was a stateside Red Cross volunteer, and was an active community member throughout her life. Dorothy was a member of the First United Methodist Church Quilters Group, Burnham/Covenant Hospital Auxiliary, and Prairielands Council Boys Scouts Heritage Society, to name just a few of her areas of engagement. She also shared her love of history with her son, Stan. Dorothy passed away in 1996.