Carole Stanley

June 16, 1929 - January 28, 2021

Carole Nicholas Barnes Stanley, age 91, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was born June 16, 1929, in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of Thomas L. “Cappy” and Mabel Andrews Nicholas. They moved to the family farm in Havensville, Kansas when Carole was two. The family attended Bucks Grove United Methodist Church. Carole attended English Ridge and Rock Elementary, graduating from Havensville High School as salutatorian in 1942. She attended Kansas City Secretarial School and married Raymond “Chuck” Barnes in 1948. They lived in Topeka and had a son, Stephen R. Barnes. They later divorced. Carole married Howard W. Stanley in 1955; they were married for sixty-two years until his death in 2017. Professionally, Carole worked for Trans World Airlines, King Travel Service, Whelans Lumber Company, and twenty-six years with Mary Kay Cosmetics. She achieved the position of Senior Sales Director. She was a member of the American Business Women’s Association, Mid-Day Chapter. Carole was a 65-year member of Topeka Bible Church and taught children's Sunday School class for many years. She is preceded in death by both parents, her husband, Howard, and sister, Valerie Ingenthron of Topeka. Carole is survived by her children, Steve (Laurie) Barnes, Overland Park, Doug (Melinda) Stanley and Mary Roy (Charles Banks) of Topeka. She is also survived by brothers, John C. Nicholas, Wichita and Truman (Beverly) Nicholas, Topeka. Carole Stanley adored her seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who lovingly call her “Aunty Kay”. Visitation is Thursday, February 4th from 5-7 pm, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd. Topeka KS 66614. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, February 5th, 10 a.m. at Topeka Bible Church, Mulvane Auditorium, 1101 SW Mulvane Ave. Due to the pandemic, masks and social distancing are required at both events. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Topeka Bible Church, Children’s Department, 1135 SW College Avenue, Topeka, KS., 66604. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.