Theda Beth Stanley

     Theda Beth (Jones) Stanley, of McCook, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at the age of 82.

     Theda Beth was born to John and Ruthella (Carter) Jones in McCook, Nebraska, on June 14, 1943. After graduating from McCook High School in 1961, she worked as a telephone operator before meeting and marrying the love of her life, Dale Stanley. Their wedding was held on September 29, 1963, at the Congregational Church in McCook. Together, they farmed and raised their family in Wilsonville, NE.

     Although Theda Beth loved being a homemaker, she attended McCook Beauty Academy while their children were still young. She owned and operated Theda Beth’s Hair Styling for many years before serving 25 years as a dispatcher for the Furnas County Sheriff’s Office. Theda Beth was an active member of the Baptist Christian Church of Wilsonville, where she served as church treasurer and president of the “Go-Getters Club.” Theda Beth was a proud member of Eastern Star of McCook; she also served as both president and treasurer of the Wilsonville Public Library. Theda Beth crocheted and was an avid reader. She was a skilled home canner and very proud of her root cellar full of everything grown in her garden. In 2017, Theda Beth and Dale retired to McCook, where they enjoyed “town life" in their final years together.

     Theda Beth was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; parents; brother, Ron Jones; sister, Leanna Smidt; sister-in-law, Linda Jones; and brothers-in-law, Paul Smidt and John McArthur.

     She is survived by her children: Laura (Robert) Ritter, Ellen (Tim) Meissner, Jay (Tony Gaeta) Stanley, and Troy (Michelle) Stanley; grandchildren: Brandon (Alydia) Offutt, Kaylee Meissner, Kelsee (K’Lee) Dunn, Devinn (Megan) Ritter, Keenan (Lexis) Meissner, Morgan (Isaic) Dinkel, Nolan Ritter, Noel Ritter, Adeline Stanley, Truman Stanley, and Willa Stanley; great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Marlee, Eckley, William, and Logan; and sisters Paula McArthur and Robin (Jerry) Wonderly.

     Known as Theda to some and Beth to others, she will be remembered by all as a kind, loving, and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

     ….We love you mom, thank you for all you have given and given up for us.

     Cremation was chosen and services are scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook with Jim Jones officiating. Burial in the Wilsonville Cemetery will follow services.

     Memorials in Theda Beth's name are suggested to the Wilsonville Baptist Christian Church. (They can reach the family by sending them care of: Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel, 607 Norris Ave, McCook, NE 69001.) Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.