Helen Rae Jennings Stanley, 97, died on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at
Lane County Hospital in Dighton. She was born on January 20, 1923 at
Altamont, Kansas the daughter of Jess & Mary Genis (Elder) Jennings.
She married Dwight “Porky” Stanley on May 12, 1954 at Scott City,
Kansas. He died on April 30, 2012.
Helen graduated from Labette County High School and earned her
Bachelor’s in English and Music Education from Southwestern College in
Winfield. She later took classes at The University of Kansas and
University of Colorado. She taught in Buhler before moving to Dighton
in 1949 where she taught at Dighton High School and then taught music
for the Lane County country schools in Amy, Shields and Alamota. She
and her husband owned and operated Stanley Liquor Store for 17 years and
she later was the office manager for the Birney & Company office in
Dighton. She gave many piano lessons in the community and her passion
was preparing and accompanying her students in competitions. She was a
member of the First Christian Church where she was the pianist and
played for many funerals, weddings and other church events. She also
belonged to the PEO. She enjoyed golfing at Lane County Country Club
and Southwind Country Club. Helen took great pride in maintaining her
yard, and working in her flower beds. Her roses brought joy to many.
She was also a delivery volunteer for Meals on Wheels for many years.
Helen loved sports and was a loyal Jayhawks, Royals and Chiefs fan.
She is survived by her Daughters- Nita & David Kuhlman of Dighton,
Sandy & Wayne Brooks of Hutchinson, Kristi & Mike Heyka of
Highlands Ranch, Colorado and Teri Harris & Andy Parker of Lawrence,
4 Grandchildren- Dustin Dwight (Trisha) Kuhlman, Jessa Rae (Ben)
Wilkens, Dylan MB (Lena) Sweyko-Kuhlman & Kendall James Harris, 7
Great-Grandchildren- Easton Kuhlman, Taegan Kuhlman, Brogan Kuhlman,
Hadley Kuhlman, Luke Wilkens, Evan Wilkens & Jack Wilkens.
Graveside Service will be at 10:30 Saturday, October 3 at Dighton
Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Alana Chapman officiating. The family
requests that masks be worn. Friends may call from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
on Friday October 2 at Boomhower Funeral Home in Dighton. Memorials are
suggested to First Christian Church or Lane County Library in care of
Boomhower Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at
www.garnandfuneralhomes.com