Ancil Edward Stamper

Ancil Edward Stamper, age 81, of Stamper Ridge in Elliott County, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026, at his daughter’s home surrounded by family and friends.

Born July 13, 1945, in Elliott County, he was a son of the late Jake Stamper and Marie Brown Stamper Nickell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Ruth Pennington Stamper, on August 26, 2016; an infant daughter, Melissa Marie Stamper; and one brother, Harold Emil Stamper.

Ancil is survived by two daughters, Mary Ann Gilliam and husband Joseph of Morehead and Wendy Stamper Baxter and husband Jason of Las Vegas, Nevada; one son, Mark Stamper and wife Susie of Morehead; seven grandchildren, Robert, Morgan, Brandon, Payton, Kianna, Chloe, and Jeremy; and seven great-grandchildren, Tegan, Stella, Riley, Thalia, Anastasia, Winston, and Denim.

Also surviving are 13 brothers and sisters: Belle Simpson of Madison Heights, Virginia; Nola Thompson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; John Stamper of Elliott County, Kentucky; Leo (Melissa) Stamper of Dallas, Wisconsin; Jerry (Faye) Stamper of Elliott County, Kentucky; Bernard (Kym) Stamper of Barron, Wisconsin; Bobby Stamper of Hawkins, Wisconsin; Evelyn Craft of Portsmouth, Ohio; Dale (Buddy) Pennington of Wallingford, Kentucky; Richard Stamper of Elliott County, Kentucky; Ida Wallace of Clearfield, Kentucky; Dean (Jean) Stamper of Wheeler, Wisconsin; and Mitton (Rhonda) Stamper of Holcombe, Wisconsin; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Ancil was a devoted friend, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother who took great pride in caring for his family. He enjoyed fishing, coon hunting, and taking one of his many trucks out for a ride. You never quite knew where you might see Ancil cruising around. He loved attending car shows, going to the drag strip, and watching dirt track racing.

More than anything, Ancil cherished spending time with his family and friends. He had a special way of making the people he loved feel special, often giving them nicknames that seemed to stick for a lifetime. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and those who knew him will always remember that little smile and wink he would give when he agreed with something. Ancil loved music, especially “Wagon Wheel” and Bluegrass music by Ralph Stanley.

His faith was also an important part of his life. Ancil was saved and was a faithful Christian and enjoyed watching church services on television every Sunday. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by everyone fortunate enough to know and love him. The world simply isn’t as bright without Ancil in it, but the love, laughter, memories, and the little pieces of himself he left with each of us will remain forever.

Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastor Willie Sturgill officiating. Burial will follow in the Stamper Cemetery in Elliott County.

Pallbearers: Joseph Gilliam, Rodney Willoughby, Jerry Michael Stamper, Robert Stegall, Buddy Allen Pennington, and Mark Stamper.

Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View video tribute or sign the guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com.