Ann Stapleton

Graveside funeral services for Anne Stapleton, 74-year-old Billings resident who passed away suddenly at her home July 1st in Peoria, Arizona will be held Saturday, August 22 at 10:00 a.m. in Willow Grove Cemetery with the Reverend Doug Wasinger officiating. Donations in Anne’s memory may be made to her favorite PEO project, the IPS (International Peace Scholarship) Individuals should go to the website peointernational.org locate the Giving Opportunities tab, download the Individual Donation form, print it and complete the form in Anne’s name with a donation going towards the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship. Or you can send your donation along with the form to P.E.O. Executive Office, 3700 Grand Ave. Dos Moines, Is, 50312 OR send your check to Harness Funeral Home at 351 N. Adams in Buffalo 82834

Anne Sharon Stapelton, the daughter of ‘Roy’ Prussing and Margaret R. Prussing (Rothwell), was born on Jan. 12, 1946 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Not long after her birth, her family moved to Billings, Montana where Anne grew up. She attended high school at Saint Mary’s Hall. After graduation, Anne attended Saint Mary’s University in Minneapolis, MN where she studied business. Upon moving back to Billings, Anne opened a travel agency. Anne’s passion for travel and love for learning the cultures of others served as a perfect platform for her work. She spent much of her life guiding her clients, family, and friends to places all over the world.

Anne was blessed with an extraordinary son and grandson who filled her heart with pride and joy. She spent countless hours at the baseball field watching her son excel. She cheered him on all along the way. His journey was her journey. Anne also enjoyed supporting her grandson in all of his endeavors. They both will forever be comforted knowing that she will be cheering them on each and every time they step onto a field.

Growing up, Anne loved the outdoors. She followed in her father’s footsteps as an avid hunter and a lover of fly fishing. She enjoyed camping, golfing, horseback riding, and floating the river. Anne also loved the finer things in life. She was an excellent cook and a wine connoisseur. Anne had many friends that filled her life with laughter and love. You could often find her at a dinner party, a book club event, or a table playing cards/games (Bridge and Mahjong were two of her favorites).

Anne was also a dedicated volunteer. She gave countless hours to two groups in particular. She was a proud member of the Soroptimist International of the Americas in Billings working with others to make a difference for women and girls in Billings and beyond. Anne followed in her mother’s footsteps as a 50+ year member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) where she served in many leadership roles including Past President of chapter AN and Past State President of the state of Montana. As of 2014, Anne was also one of 14 Charter members for Chapter FK in Peoria, AZ. Anne is survived by her son Paul McGhay and his wife (Jenni), grandson Chase, cousins Marsha Woodburne-Williams (Ed), and J.P. Rothwell (Mary) along with countless friends. She was preceded in death by her father Roy, her mother Margaret, Aunt Marjorie ‘Madge’ Rothwell, Uncle Paul Rothwell, and cousin Karen Rothwell-Vivian.