Frances Elaine Stanley

Frances Elaine Stanley, 90, of Levelland, Texas, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family. She was born on February 17, 1935, in Hollis, Oklahoma, to Marie Carter and Ford Carter. Moving to Pettit, Texas when she was 9 years old.

 Frances lived a life filled with love, determination, and faith. From her humble beginnings working alongside her family hoeing and pickin’ cotton on the family farm, she developed an enduring work ethic that carried her through every season of life. In 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Harley Stanley, and together they built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, and farming. Together they raised three sons, Steven, Sammy (Sam), and Ronnie. 

Frances proudly raised three rowdy boys of her own, and more often than not, a few extras from the Pettit community who were always welcome at her kitchen table for a good meal. Frances and Harley shared lifelong friendships with several couples from the close-knit Pettit community, forming bonds that lasted more than fifty years. Together, they enjoyed countless memories on vacations to the lake and Las Vegas. 

As with many in the Stanley family, Frances was known for her pioneering spirit in Hockley County. She and Harley owned and operated The Dairy Mart, where countless friends were made over burgers, shakes, and friendly smiles. Later in life, Frances found great success as a Senior Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics, where her kindness, dedication, and leadership inspired many. Her hard work earned her multiple pink Cadillacs, a symbol of her success but, more importantly, of the relationships she built along the way. 

Those who knew Frances will remember her for her dignity, elegance, beauty, and her legendary red velvet cake, a family favorite that everyone looked forward to each Christmas. She carried herself with timeless grace and inspired countless women with the courage and determination to build their own businesses even when they were facing their hardest life challenges, just as she once did. Leading with integrity and an unwavering work ethic that are still remembered today. Her legacy will continue to live on through the lives of the women impacted. 

She was welcomed home by her parents, Ford and Marie, her beloved husband, Harley, her sons, Steven and Sam, and her sister, Mickey Ivey. 

Frances is lovingly survived by her son, Ronnie and wife Donna, and daughter-in-law, Terri Stanley. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren—Lori (Zane) Smith, Russ (Shonnie) Stanley, Gina Thomas, Adrian (Dusty) Mellberg, and Mark (Megan) Stanley, and her eight great-grandchildren, Trista, Brier, Baylor, Kegan, Jack, Callen, Colbie and June, all of whom brought her endless pride.

 Frances will be remembered for her strength, grace, and unwavering love for her family. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of her family and friends who loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16,2025 at Krestridge Funeral Home in Levelland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Levelland. 

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Krestridge Funeral Home, (806) 897-1111.