Helen R. Stanley

Our beloved mom, “Gram”, Helen Stanley, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 89. She was the heart, soul, and life of any party. She is leaving behind a legacy of hard work, honesty, and unwavering love for family.

Helen Ruth Stanley was born November 2, 1936 in Knox City, Texas. Helen’s family moved to Garden City shortly thereafter and would remain there until she graduated. As early as her teen years, Helen was known for her strong personality and beautiful smile. She was crowned Best All-Around Girl in 1955 at Garden City High School, where she graduated in 1956. She would later marry RC Armstrong and build a family of five, Waymon, Clint, Miranda, Joe, and Bradley in Reagan County.

She fiercely loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She answered to many names, but of them all, her favorite was Grandma. Through music, chalk board drawings, beer and cigarette conversations, and home-cooked meals her grands spent countless hours enjoying her undivided attention. Her hands were rarely still and her electric spirit captivated each one of us. She will be dearly missed.

Gram wore many hats throughout her long life. She was never afraid of lending a helping hand to someone in need or getting her hands dirty. While working for the Reagan County School District she formed bonds with her coworkers. Not only did she provide the adults with a good laugh and healthy dose of honesty, she also made a lasting impact as “Gram” to any child who came through her cafeteria line.

She is survived by her children Waymon and Julie Armstrong of Yoakum, TX, Miranda and Casey Davidson of Big Lake, TX, Joe and Pam Armstrong of Merkel, TX, and Bradley and Tracey Armstrong of Midland, TX. Grandchildren Amy, Zac, Brian, Mandi, Corie (Bradley), Matt (Chrissy), Keli (Tyler), and Kayla (Aaron) and 12 great-grandchildren. Helen was proceeded in death by her parents, Phelps and Alma Cunningham, and her son Clint Armstrong.

Visitation will be held Sunday August 30, 2026, from 4pm-6pm at Johnson Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas. Graveside service will be held on Monday August 31, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Glenrest Cemetery in Big Lake, Texas to celebrate the life of a woman who lived her life by her own regard and to the fullest. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Care Friends at 1009 Virginia Circle Big Lake, TX 76932.

Pallbears are Brian Armstrong, Matt Armtstrong, Aaron Willman, Bradley Bynum, Tyler Rees, and Ted Umphress. Honorary pallbearers are Cash Umphress, Bray Willman, Mac Willman and Ridge Rees.

We would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” from our family to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Reagan County Care Center. Also, a special thanks to her visitors, George and Heath.