Martha "Marty" Miller (Cottingham) Rankin

Bennettsville, SC

With love and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, Martha “Marty” Miller Cottingham Rankin, our precious momma, 98 years young, has begun her greatest adventure and another chapter of life. Her journey began at the dawn of March 11, 2026, surrounded by love, hand, and heart held tightly, she peacefully transitioned.

Marty was born December 24, 1927, in Bennettsville. She was a daughter of the late Colin James and Lilly Miller Cottingham. A vital first edition, one of a kind, growing up on the family farm taught her many of life’s priceless lessons.  There was nothing she couldn’t do. Whatever she set her hands to do, she did with a simple magic. She did it gracefully, precisely, and beautifully as if it was her life’s work. Marty graduated from Bennettsville High School in 1945. She then went on to Queens College, where she met her future husband, Donald “Don” M. Rankin. They married August 28, 1949. They resided in Clemson, until moving to the Cottingham Family Farm in 1951.

Marty was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder and deacon. She was a former WOC Pee Dee Presbyterian President. Marty was a member of the Book Club, Garden Club, Marlboro Historical Society, and National Education Association. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, and Red Hat Society. She also was a member of the South Carolina Watercolor Association, South Carolina Art Education Association, Second Regiment of the South Carolina Line Continental Re-enactor of history. Marty also was a previous winner of the Black Powder Load Rifle Competition.

Marty delivered in living life to the fullest and making the most of what life gave her. “It’s not the challenge, but where you put your focus that matters.” She didn’t wait for things to exist, she created them. From starting a girls softball team with the City of Bennettsville Recreation Department to creating Chrismons for the Christmas tree at First Presbyterian Church, she poured herself into building family, community, and bringing joy to others through the many talents that God blessed her with.

Marty’s home was always open for whatever or just because. She enjoyed feeding, decorating, and welcoming all. She hosted many parties, including her 50th High School reunion.

Marty’s life was grounded in deep morals, faith, and character. It was never in anger or negative thoughts about anyone. Nothing could penetrate her agape’ soul. She had a deep love for God, country, family, animals, and a vast “chosen family’ she gathered along the way. Marty found beauty everywhere. She found it in nature, art, photographs, history, and travel. There were also the everyday moments that showed the beauty woven in Marty’s very presence.

Marty carried profound loss. She lost her first child and namesake, Martha ‘Blossom” Miller Rankin in a tragic accident. Yet, Marty continued to blossom, living life to the fullest.

Marty lived her life with unwavering faith and a radiating positive energy. She loved deeply and leaves behind a light that will continue to shine in everyone who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Marty was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-seven years, Don Rankin; a daughter, Martha “Blossom” Miller Rankin; and a sister, Mary Watts Miller Hardy.

Marty is survived by her son, Donald McCray Rankin, Jr of the home; a daughter, Mary Colin Rankin Arndt and husband Chester Earl Arndt, Jr. of Sanford, NC; a granddaughter, Lilly Miller Arndt; a grandson, Rankin Colin Arndt; several other extended family members also survive,

Words can not touch the gratitude we have for our “Earth Angel” who exemplified love in action, Rosa. Thank you for being you and the care you provided Mom and Dad. Also, special thanks to the family cats, Poppy and Pee Pee, and dogs, Bob Tail and Bella, for all the love and faithful companionship you given our family.

Marty’s love of travel and exploring God’s beautiful places continues as she journeys forward. Our road will be challenged without her physical presence. We will continue to live life to the fullest through her grace, love, and strength. We know that momma/Maw-Maw will be with us with every step we take, every beat of our heart, and every breath we make.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church of Bennettsville. Burial will follow the service in Sunset Memorial Park.

A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 A.M. at first Presbyterian Church of Bennettsville.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bfhbennettsville.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home is honored to assist the Rankin Family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha "Marty" Miller (Cottingham) Rankin, please visit our floral store.