Helen Frances Stanley, 86, died of heart failure Thursday in Omaha, Neb. Formerly of Osawatomie, Helen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Helen was born in Osawatomie on Aug. 11, 1928 to James Polk Mullins and Anna (Ranney) Mullins. She graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1946.

She married Leslie E. Stanley August 2, 1947. She worked as a dental assistant and later as a secretary for Glencliff Dairy before leaving the workforce to raise her three children. Les’ work took the family around the Midwest. The family lived in Osawatomie, Paola, the Kansas City area, Big Spring, Tex., Fort Worth and St. Louis before eventually settling in Omaha.

Wherever the family lived, Helen had the gift of hospitality and was an excellent cook and homemaker.

Helen was active in many service clubs, including the Philanthropic Education Organization, which provides education opportunities for female students worldwide; the Girl Scouts of America, for where she was a leader, and the Presbyterian Women’s Association.

While a student at OHS, Helen was a founding member of the Calling All Girls social club. The club was inspired by YM magazine, the second-oldest girls’ magazine in the country. She was also president of the Sub-Debs, another girls' social club in Osawatomie.

She was an avid gardener, and her home was featured in the prestigious Omaha Garden Walk.

Helen is survived by her husband, Leslie; her children, Cathy Sokolewicz and husband Jim of Ashland, Neb.; David K. Stanley and wife Jean of Denton, Texas; and Leslie Pruitt of Shawnee, Kan.; seven grandchildren, and six great-grand children.

Helen’s grandchildren include Jason Sokolewicz and wife Summer of Omaha, Allyson Sokolewicz of Omaha, Justin Stanley and wife Amanda of Redmond, Wash., Jennifer Stanley of Irving, Texas, Ethan Pruitt of Topeka, Emily Pruitt of Chicago and Sarah Pruitt of Shawnee. Her great-grandchildren include Alexis , Avery and Cassidy Sokolewicz; Ryan Stanley; T.J. Waltz Jr. and Caroline Stanley.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Lucille Butcher, Lorin Mullins, Margaret Kendrick, Marjorie Dempsey, Flora Piggott and James Mullins, and her son-in-law Todd Pruitt.

There will be a visitation with family from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at West Hills Church, 3015 S. 82nd Ave., Omaha. A luncheon at the church will follow the service.

A graveside service is planned for 2 p.m. Tuesday at Osawatomie Cemetery. There will be a reception at Memorial Hall in John Brown Park after the service.

Memorials may be sent to West Hills Church, 3015 S. 82nd Ave., Omaha, NE 68124.