Ann Weeks Stainback, 69, of Saint Paul, Minnesota, passed away on March 3, 2021 after a swift, difficult battle with cancer.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Eugene Bernard Weeks and Mildred Allie Baines, and her husband of 37 years, Claude Wayne Stainback.

Ann is survived by her sister and best friend, Ruth (Crawford) Munford of White Oak, North Carolina, a daughter, Sommer (Hjalmer) Duenow of Saint Paul, Minnesota, a granddaughter, Sofia Lenore Duenow of Saint Paul, Minnesota, two nephews, Ashley (Darlene) Munford of Lumberton, North Carolina and Michael (Cori) Munford of Monroe, Wisconsin, a great nephew, Zachary Tyler Munford of Lumberton, North Carolina and cousins and extended family too numerous to mention.

Ann was born on January 24, 1952 in Lumberton, North Carolina and graduated from Forest Glen High School in Suffolk, Virginia in 1970. She moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina after high school before eventually settling in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

It was there she met Wayne in 1974 ... They were immediately inseparable and married three years later. After the birth of their daughter in 1978, she chose to stay home with Sommer until she became of school age.

When she was ready to get back into the workforce, Ann took a job as a commercial truck driver with a local electrical company and quickly gained the respect of so many in her industry through hard work, honesty and kindness. She was promoted time and time again, becoming warehouse manager and purchasing agent, forging her own path in a traditionally male-dominated field. Witnessing her quiet strength and resolve was nothing short of inspiring and empowering.

But beneath her strong exterior, Ann was a gentle, free spirit and nothing made her spirit happier than being in nature ... In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, keeping a jungle of houseplants in her home and watching the wildlife where she lived on her farm. Her favorite music hails from the halls of Motown, disco and classic rock and few things made her smile more in the summertime than a lounge chair on the beach, a good breeze and a cocktail.

When she needed more meaning, she felt called to dedicate her time to being a foster mom and mentor for Col. Potter Cairn Terrier Rescue. Ann excelled at nursing the elder and sick dogs back to health or showing the more temperamental ones just the right amount of affection to make them trust humans again.

She cultivated many friendships in her lifetime and supported others through their own passions and difficulties, unconditionally. Whether she was fostering a dog or simply lending an ear, Ann always made it her mission to improve the lives of others around her.

She truly was a gift to us all.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Col. Potter Cairn Terrier Rescue … Notes, letters or cards can be sent directly to family in Minnesota.

A memorial Graveside service will be held Monday, August 23, 2021 at 11:00 am at Cedarwood Cemetery.

Online condolence can be made to: www.wrennclarkehagan.com