Grygla, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — Ida Nancy Stanley, 91, of Grygla, died on December 26, 2025.
Her family said she died peacefully in Minneapolis.
They said she was at Lakehouse Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
They said her daughter, Gwen Stanley, was at her side.
Early life and work
Stanley was born on August 9, 1934, near Fourtown, Minnesota.
Her family said she was born at home on a farm site.
She was the second oldest of fourteen children.
Her parents were Thomas Smith and Hazel Smith.
She graduated from Goodridge High School in 1951, her family said.
She later earned a teaching certificate.
She taught school in Devils Lake, North Dakota, her family said.
She also worked as a bookkeeper in Devils Lake.
She later kept books for the Grygla Creamery, her family said.
Her family said she used those skills on the farm.
Marriage and family
Ida married Arnold Stanley on December 14, 1954, her family said.
They raised six children.
They are Todd (Debra) Stanley, Gwen Stanley, and Brian (Bonnie) Stanley.
They are also Trent (Marilyn) Stanley and Alison Caldwell.
The family said one son, Jeffrey Stanley, died earlier.
Her family listed many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
They also listed one great-great-grandchild, Finley Jewell.
Community life
Family members said Stanley did anything for her loved ones.
They said she enjoyed gardening and birdwatching.
They said she loved cooking and baking.
Her jams and homemade bread were well known, the family said.
They said she often played rummy with family.
They said she was active in the Grygla community.
She worked with the Ladies Aid and a church quilting group.
She also served as treasurer for the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, her family said.
Many people remember her cinnamon rolls at local blood drives.
Her family said she also attended Charger basketball games for years.
Survivors
Stanley is survived by her children and their families.
She is also survived by five siblings.
They are Eleanor (Kenneth) Carlson, Dean Smith, and Duane (Bettye) Smith.
They are also Ralph (Pamela) Smith, Kaye (Dale Shorty) Wilkins, and Donna Smith.
The family also listed nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death
Her family said she was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold M. Stanley.
She was also preceded in death by her parents.
She was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Stanley.
Her family also listed several siblings who died earlier.
Service details
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A prayer service is planned at 7 p.m.
Both will be at Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla.
The funeral is set for Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Visitation will start at 10 a.m. at the church.
A reception will follow the service, the family said.
Memorials
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.