Barbara Lou Stanley

Barbara Lou (Veach) Stanley, age 87, of Center Ridge, AR, passed from this life into eternal glory on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Daughter of the late Clessie Aaron and Mattie Lou Veach of Bowlegs, OK; she was born on June 14, 1939, in Three States, TX. Wife of the late Blane Stanley, of Center Ridge, and married for many years, she is also proceeded in death by her parents, and her beloved late brother Clinton A. Veach and his late wife, Edith Brusco Veach, of Belpre, OH, and nephew Dr. Paul Veach, a local ER doctor of Maumelle, AR. She is survived by several cousins, many nieces and nephews, and two granddaughters. Barbara was an active member of the Solgohachia Baptist Church, and a long-time Sunday School teacher and speaker. She loved serving the Lord with her gifts and talents, and cared deeply for her family, church, and community. She was instrumental in helping to start the Center Ridge First Baptist Church with beloved Founding Pastor, the late Brother Eldridge Snow. Mrs. Stanley, who was gifted by God with a beautiful voice, sang many years in church and at local events. She started the local TV show “Wagon Wheel Jamboree” where she sang with her own local band. The late Pete Rossi of Center Ridge was her lead bass singer. Back in her early years as an accomplished singer, Barbara was asked to open onstage in Nashville for Loretta Lynn. Barbara’s favorite community service was 17 years of fostering children and later became a Guardian Ad Litem. She was also very involved with the Abundant Life of Morrilton for many years as a strong advocate and supporter of saving babies. This fiery redhead of Catholic Point was known locally as a “Cattle Whisperer” on her beautiful mountain farm in Center Ridge, since 1968. But, most of all, Barbara loved her Lord and Savior. She was saved in her early 20’s at a church in Belpre, OH. For many years, Barbara was a weekly featured columnist and wrote “The View from the Ridge” for Petit Jean Country Headlight. The column brought interesting local news and always closed with a Biblical Scripture verse. Barbara served multiple years in the local food pantry and provided free Bibles to the community. She was loved by her family and community, and her special best friend, the late Betty Blair of Springfield, who learned to play the piano so she could accompany Barbara. The family would like to thank all her dear friends who loved her to the end and give a special thanks to Ozark Home Health Care for their excellent care and compassion, and the Arkansas Hospice Team at LifeTouch for their valuable services. The Funeral will be held at Harris Funeral Home, of 1325 Oak Street, Morrilton, AR 72110, on Friday, July 10, 2026. Pastor Michael Veach, nephew, of First Bible Church, Staten Island, NY, will be officiating. Visitation starts at 1 p.m., and the Service begins at 2 p.m., with a brief Burial Ceremony afterwards at St. Joseph Cemetery in Center Ridge on Catholic Point Rd. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net In Liu of flowers, Barbara asked that donations of any amount be made in her memory to Abundant Life Pregnancy Resource Center, 1306 N. Oak St., Morrilton, AR 72110, (AbundantLifeprg.org.) In keeping with the time-honored tradition of her column, she wanted her favorite Scripture verse shared: Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all the ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Barbara Lou Stanley

June 14, 1939 - June 28, 2026