Nanci Wallace Rankin passed on to a better world on 23 Jan. 2013.

The only child of Lucy May Shobe and Leroy Hogge, she was born in Achilles, Gloucester County, Va., on 16 March 1945.

Growing up in Gloucester and later in Southern California, she married John "Wally" Michael Wallace in Feb. 1967. Wally died May 1968 when the USS Scorpion (SSN 589) was lost at sea.

Nanci married Henry Lewis Rankin in April 1981. Committed to the betterment of animal welfare, Nanci was active in Doberman Rescue of the Triad. Over the years, she was the proud mother and godmother of many rescued Dobermans. An avid knitter, Nanci was never far from a set of knitting needles and nature fibers. Various nature yarns and knitting pattern books were one of her passions. She reveled in exploring various handcrafts such as knitting, tole painting, cross-stitch, and crochet. Always interested in a good mystery, she loved listening to audiobooks which enabled her to enjoy a good book while doing other tasks.

She is survived by her husband.

Cremation followed by interment will be at Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church in Weems, Va.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your local animal shelter or Doberman Rescue of the Triad, P.O. Box 13979, Greensboro, N.C. 27415-3979.

The family wishes to thank all the nurses, doctors, and staff at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.

Arrangements are being handled by Hollomon-Brown, Great Neck Chapel, Virginia Beach, and Currie Funeral Home, Kilmarnock.