Jane K. Rankin

Jane Kay (Donner) Rankin, 75, of Paola, Kansas passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. She was born on May 26, 1950, in Madison, Wisconsin to James F. and Gladys (Uglum) Donner. Jane with her parents relocated to Salem, Arkansas, where they lived for 14 years. The family then moved to Drexel, Missouri in 1967, Jane’s senior year in high school where she graduated from Drexel High School. Jane eventually put down roots in Paola, Kansas. She furthered her education by attending business school.

Jane worked alongside her parents at Donner’s Drive in Louisburg, KS for several years after graduating from school. She began her career with Snap On Tools, where she retired after 30 dedicated years of service. Jane wanted to stay active, so she began working at Taylor Forge in Paola, KS where she worked for a few years before retiring.

Jane married her best friend, Clifford Rankin, on June 26, 1999. They were highly active and avid University of Kansas Jayhawk basketball fans and attended many games. She also collected Kansas Jayhawk memorabilia. She and her husband enjoyed themselves no matter wherever they were, and they traveled a great deal. Jane had very strong values and was dedicated to her family and friends.

Jane had a beautiful way of embracing life, always saying “yes” to adventures and bringing her sense of fun and laughter wherever she went. Her spirit will live on in the family she adored and in the many lives she brightened with her warmth, generosity, and joy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Rankin, her parents James F., and Gladys Donner, brother and sister-in-law, James L. and Kathaleen Donner, niece, Michele L. Bridges.

Jane is survived by her brother, Jerome H. Donner, nieces and nephews, Tamara O’Malley, Darwyn (Candi) Luat, Kathy Donner, Janet Donner, Jerry (Cheryl) Donner and Kim (Dennis) Rentz, many loved great and great-great nieces & nephews.

No services have been decided at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the following:

Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org

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