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Anna Rebecca Stayton passed away peacefully at home on April 24, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Born December 27, 1929, she was the only child of Albert and Beatrice Grier and was lovingly raised on farms in the Masten’s Corner–Felton area. Named for her grandmother and guided closely by her grandfather, Thomas Cahall Grier, Anna grew up in a simpler time—one she cherished even as she later embraced iPads, online reading, solitaire, and mahjong.
Her childhood revolved around family, farming, community, and school. At age 11, as World War II began, she tended her victory garden and joined classmates in supporting the war effort, sparking a lifelong interest in current events.
A proud graduate of Harrington High School, Valedictorian of the Class of 1947, Anna excelled in geography and Latin, played violin, led the marching band as drum majorette, and loved slipping away to the Sport Shop Soda Fountain to dance to the jukebox. She was also an accomplished horseback rider.
In 1947, Anna married Herbert E. Stayton. They purchased a farm in Houston and raised three children—Linda Louise, Beatrice Ann, and Herbert Grier—continuing the farm life she loved. Once her children were grown, she pursued new opportunities, attending community college and working as a ward clerk and later in the X‑ray department at Milford Memorial Hospital.
Seeing a need for quality medical uniforms, Anna founded A & H Uniforms, which grew from a small Milford storefront to locations in the Blue Hen Mall and Rodney Village before she retired.
Anna was preceded in death by Herbert, her husband of 53 years.
She is survived by her children—Linda Eastlack (Will), Beatrice Strupe (Gene), and H. Grier Stayton (Lesley); five grandchildren—Derek Conrad, Neil White, Stephen Conrad, Nicholas Stayton, and Anna Corinne Stayton; and five great‑grandchildren—Brandon Conrad, Kelsi White, Averie Rivera, Brynlee White, and Claire Stayton. Her children lived in ways that honored her, and she took great pride in the people they grew to be.
In lieu of flowers, donations to organizations that support animal care would honor her lifelong love of animals.
Services will be private.
