Vesta O. Stoudt died at the age of 75 at the Whiteside County Nursing Home in Prophetstown, Illinois, following a long illness. This marked the end of the life of a woman who made a significant contribution to the war effort through her innovative idea.

Vesta Stoudt wrote a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, explaining the problem with sealing ammunition boxes and suggesting a solution using a strong cloth tape with tabs. This action was crucial, as it led to the development and use of duct tape during World War II.