Sanford Dale Rankins

Sanford Dale Rankins departed this life on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He was born on July 15, 1960, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Sanford Rankins and Dorothy (Sowers) Rankins.

Sanford was a man who appreciated the simple things in life. He found happiness in spending time with his family and friends, working with his hands, and creating things from his own imagination. He was a concrete finisher by trade and took great pride in his work. Those who knew him knew that when Sanford set his mind to something, he wanted it done right.

One of Sanford’s greatest talents was his ability to build things. Years ago, he created an entire dollhouse using only popsicle sticks. The house was complete with a wraparound porch, a fenced yard, and even a swing set. It was a project that showed not only his patience and creativity, but also the care he put into the things he made.

In recent years, Sanford had hoped to build another dollhouse, this time especially for his two grandchildren. His desire to complete that project meant so much to him that he even underwent eye surgery so he could see well enough to work on it. Unfortunately, as his health declined, he was unable to finish what he had started. Although the dollhouse was never completed, the love behind it remains a meaningful reminder of the kind of grandfather he was and how deeply he cared for his grandchildren.

Sanford and his beloved wife, Iris Rankins, were high school sweethearts who love grew into a marriage that lasted 45 years. From their younger days together through the many seasons of life that followed, they shared a bond built on love, companionship, and the simple everyday moments that make a life together meaningful.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Sanford Rankins; three sisters, Kathy Rankins, Pam James, and Penny Shelton; one brother, Billy Spradlin and his wife, Hope Spradlin; and his beloved wife of 45 years, Iris Rankins.

Those left to cherish the many memories of Sanford’s life include his two sons, Jeremy Rankins and Jody Rankins; his daughter-in-law, Jorgina Rankins, whom Sanford loved and thought of more as a daughter than a daughter-in-law; his two grandchildren, Thunder Dale Lee Rankins and Joshlyn Summer Ann Rankins; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Sanford will be remembered for his hardworking hands, his creative spirit, his appreciation for a simple life, and most of all, the love he carried for those closest to him. The things he built may have been made by hand, but the memories he leaves behind were built from a lifetime of love and will remain in the hearts of his family for years to come.

services are pending at this time. Please check back for updates.

The family of Sanford Rankins has entrusted his care and arrangements to Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory, 417 East Cherokee Street, Wagoner, Oklahoma, 74467. 918-4895-2911