Frances Margaret Stanley, Minot, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 in a Minot Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Frances was born on December 22, 1929 in Bottineau, ND to Ole and Emma (Erickson) Sather. The youngest of nine children, she was raised and attended school in Bottineau. Upon graduation from Bottineau High School in 1948, Fran continued her education at the North Dakota State School of Forestry where she received specialized training in secretarial studies. She was employed at the ND State School of Forestry as the secretary to the Forestry President when she met the love of her life, Richard "Buck" Stanley.

Frances married Buck Stanley on November 27, 1953 in Bottineau. They made their home in Williston, ND where she worked at KEYZ radio station. They soon became partners in the ownership and operation of a flower shop. While living in Williston, they were blessed with three children, Annette, David and Michelle. The family moved to Minot, ND in 1969. Fran was employed by Minot Public Schools as a secretary at Longfellow Elementary from 1970 until 1991 when she retired.

Frances had 5 great loves in her life: her husband, Buck; her 3 children, 8 grandchildren, her faith, and spending as much time as she could at Lake Metigoshe with her whole family. Family was the most important thing in Fran's life. She also loved her gambling trips with Buck!

Frances was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and a former member of Little Flower Catholic Church. She was a member of the Sons of Norway, and the Women of the Moose. Fran enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, ceramics, and attending a variety of her grandchildren's events with Buck. She especially loved spending time with her siblings, children, and grandchildren.

Frances' loving family includes her husband of 62 years: Richard; children: Annette (Phil) Stach, David (Melissa) Stanley, and Michelle (William Jr.) Bliven all of Minot; grandchildren: Kristen Kaplan, Alicia Stach, Aaron Bliven, Taylor Bliven, Jacques Stanley, Jake Stach, Emmalee Stach, and Blaise Stanley; sister-in-law, Mildred Sather of Minot and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Fran will be remembered by family and friends as a true angel walking among us on earth. She was selfless, compassionate, caring, and a giving person. Frances always put everyone else before herself. She was the most loving mother and grandmother.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Hilda Bystrom, Ed Sather, Caroline Sehn, Ole Sather, Olga McLain, Art Sather, Alice Albrighton, and Mabel Johnson.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, March 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to the family for charitable designation.