Ellen Stiles Rankin

Ellen Stiles Rankin, 87, of Gastonia, passed away November 10, 2014 at Alexandria Place. She was born in Sylva, NC to the late Clarence and Edith Stiles. Ellen worked at Carolina Mills for 57 years. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, where she loved caring for the children in the nursery. Her family was very important to her. She is survived by daughters, Linda Kirby and husband Jim of Kings Mtn., Pat Butler and husband, Fred of Gastonia, Nancy Arrowood of Houston, Texas; son, Rick Arrowood and wife, Carmen of Woodbridge, Virginia; grandchildren, Derek Alexander and wife, Shannon, Erica Butler and Dana Arrowood and wife, Kelsey; great-grandchildren, Kate Alexander and Grace Arrowood; sister, Dot Harbin of Gastonia and brother, Fred Stiles of Sylva, NC. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her, husband, Ed Rankin; brother, Henry Stiles and sister, Birdell. A service of remembrance will be at 1:30 pm on Thursday at New Hope Baptist Church -2024 Redbud Dr., Gastonia, officiated by the Rev. Dr.Ned Buckner and Rev. Jim Kirby. The family will receive friends 12:00 - 1:15 pm on Thursday prior to the service at church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church - 2024 Redbud Dr., Gastonia, NC 28056 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia.