Celebrating the Life of Ann Marie Stutler

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She was the sparkle in every occasion, the personality in every gathering, and the kind of person who made life a little more colorful.

Jacksonville, NC — Ann Marie Stutler, 58, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026, in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Born on July 29, 1968, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to the late Joye and Jerry Stutler, Ann lived a life that was uniquely, unapologetically, and beautifully her own.

There are not enough words to describe Ann or the impact she had on the lives of those who knew and loved her. She was so much to so many, and there will never be another quite like her. Ann was the sparkle in every occasion, the personality in every gathering, and the kind of person who made life a little more colorful simply by being in it. She had a way of making ordinary moments memorable, leaving people with stories to tell, laughter to remember, and memories to hold close long after the moment had passed.

Ann was an accomplished educator who earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s degree in library and information science. Her education reflected her love of learning and the value she placed on knowledge, books, and the opportunities education can bring.

Anyone who knew Ann knew that animals held a very special place in her heart. Her love extended far beyond her own beloved pets to just about everybody else’s animals, too. She was preceded in death by her cherished fur babies, William and Winnie. She leaves behind her beloved Rupert and Mr. Lincoln, who will undoubtedly miss her presence, just as she will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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Her education reflected her love of learning and the value she placed on knowledge, books, and the opportunities education can bring.

Ann leaves behind her loving siblings, Kay Cantrell (Kerry), Mark Kidd (Melissa), and Janet Dear (Steve); her nieces and nephews, Amanda Baker (Kyle), Rodney DeKleuver (Sheryl), Darrell DeKleuver, Colin Kidd, Cian Kidd, Caden Kidd, Riley Townsend, Patrick Dear (Christina), and Katie Dear; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Kaylie Baker, Gabby Baker, Cordelia DeKleuver, Alexander DeKleuver, and Matthew Dear. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were made brighter by having Ann in them.

While words can capture pieces of who Ann was, they can never tell her whole story. The best stories about Ann will be found in the memories of those who loved her: the funny things she said, the unexpected moments that became unforgettable, the traditions she made her own, and the countless ways she left her mark on the people around her. Those stories are part of her legacy, and sharing them is one way to keep her spirit alive.

A Celebration of Ann’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Rather than a traditional service focused on saying goodbye, this gathering will be an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable woman Ann was and the many ways she touched our lives. Please reach out to family and friends for the location details.

Those attending are asked to bring something that captures their own special connection to Ann: a memory, a funny story, a poem, or a few words that tell the story of who Ann was to them. Whether it brings tears, laughter, or a little bit of both, every story is welcome. After all, a life as special as Ann’s deserves to be remembered through the stories, laughter, and love she leaves behind.

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The best stories about Ann will be found in the memories of those who loved her: the funny things she said, the unexpected moments that became unforgettable.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ann’s memory to NC Seaside Animal Rescue, in honor of the love and compassion she held for animals. Donations may be mailed to:

NC Seaside Animal Rescue P.O. Box 12051 Jacksonville, NC 28546

Donations may also be made online at: https://www.ncseasideanimalrescue.org/make-a-donation

Ann was one of a kind. She was the sparkle, the story, the laughter, and the unforgettable presence that made life a little more extraordinary. Though she is no longer here to create new memories with us, the ones she gave us will live on in every story told, every laugh shared, and every life made better because she was part of it.

Ann, you were so much to so many, and you will never be forgotten.