Heather Jean Rankine-Long's Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Heather J Rankine-Long, 52, of Huntersville on Tuesday April 16th 2024 after a long series of health struggles.
Heather Rankine-Long grew up in Lapeer Michigan and was the chosen child of Robert and Janet Rankine. She later moved with her family to Jacksonville Florida in 1990 where she attended college and she met and married the love of her life Michael (Mike) Long. They married in 1997 and had their only child, Laurel Rose Long in 2002. In 2007 Heather and Mike relocated to Huntersville NC to be closer to the western NC mountains which they visited often.
Heather was a figurative artist and worked in paints and multiple drawing mediums. Going to an art supply store was like going to a candy store with a young child.
She cultivated a large garden and koi pond. Heather was a lover of animals, and not just the cute and fuzzy ones. She was equally fond of snakes, lizards, toads and spiders. The creatures others avoided she embraced. If you hear her call something cute, it might be a kitten, it might be a frog, you never know. Ask her mom Janet about her baby carriage. The only critters she looked sideways at were the ones that threatened her garden. Sorry slugs, no love for you.
She liked the physical sciences and geology. She particularly liked rocks. She liked them so much she picked up rocks that caught her eye wherever she went. Mike suspects he’ll be discovering odd rocks around the house for a very long time. There’s still a few rolling around in the car Mike can’t locate.
Heather loved trying new cuisines. She particularly loved Chinese and Thai food and would be happy with either any day of the week. While Mike had similar tastes, his default was Mexican. They had frequent noodle Vs tortilla negotiations 15 minutes before food delivery cut off service for the evening. Heather usually won.
Heather loved dark humor and sticking her thumb in the eye of convention and propriety. I’ll refrain from adding an example.
She was an avid reader and particularly loved science fiction, fantasy, cookbooks and gardening journals. She avidly read the news but that usually made her grumpy. Mike is grateful Heather agreed with what John Waters said about books. (Google time, gentle reader. There are a couple of quotes, you choose which one)
She had absolutely no use for the words “Girls don’t do that.” and raised her daughter to counter that with “Girls do whatever the hell they want!” That was a great plan until the elementary school called to talk about Laurel’s attitude. Heather asked about the school’s support of misogyny, an uneasy peace ensued.
Heather was not currently on speaking terms with the divine but she does appreciate prayers on her behalf.
She is survived by her husband of 27 years Mike Long and daughter Laurel Long of Huntersville, Brother David Rankine and mother Janet Rankine of Port St Lucie. She also leaves a boatload of cats.
Heather loved native flowers, trees and plants. In lieu of flowers Heather would want you to plant something that brightens your days and greens your world. Heather was a fan of “guerilla gardening”, so extra cool points if you plant something somewhere you're not supposed to. Go to Amazon, get some seed bombs and get busy. Negative points and Heather’s disapproving spirit will haunt you forever if you plant a Bradford pear.
Heather used to say that the best part of funerals was hearing all the stories about the life of the lost. She also said that you can’t have a funeral without Fun. Mike and Laurel are currently planning a celebration of life for Heather so she can have the FUNeral she deserves.
Please join us Saturday June 15th, 10am in the great hall of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012 to celebrate the life of Heather Jean Rankine-Long. Let us gather to share some of our favorite memories, our stories, to laugh, to cry and to remember a wonderful person who is greatly missed.
James Funeral Home is assisting the family. Obituary lovingly written by the family.
What’s your fondest memory of Heather?
What’s a lesson you learned from Heather?
Share a story where Heather's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Heather you’ll never forget.
How did Heather make you smile?