Carol Ann Vannett, age 81, passed peacefully on May 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, as she entered heaven’s gates.

Carol was born on December 2, 1944, in Minot, ND to Louis and Martha (Michaels) Heinz. On April 18, 1963, she married her beloved husband and soulmate, Claude Vannett. They were married for 60 years before his passing on August 11, 2023. Together, they built a life filled with love and raised three children: Lorrie Walls, Heidi Merkel (Daryl Weaver), and Michael (Rita) Vannett.

Carol had a special gift for turning a house into a home. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including bowling, golfing, bingo, knitting, quilting, and reading. Many cherished memories were created at the family’s cabin on Van Hook Lake, where she loved spending time fishing with Claude and sharing those moments with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In later years, Carol and Claude spent their winters in Arizona – something she looked forward to each year.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Vannett; her parents, Louis and Martha Heinz; her sister, Joanne; her baby brother, Leroy; and her son-in-law, Brad Merkel.

Carol’s memory will be cherished by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother, Duane Heinz (Jacki); and her sister Janice (John) Moran.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all those who loved her.

Visitation: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Rosary/Vigil Service: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. .Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.
Graveside Service will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.