Mary Jane 'Janie' Stanford

August 15, 1936 - January 21, 2024

Mary Jane Hessel Stanford "Janie" was called home to the Lord on Sunday, January 21, 2024. Known to most as "Janie" and affectionately by her grandkids as "Mamaw" she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and committed prayer warrior. Janie lived life to the fullest, a source of light and inspiration to all. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness.

Born in Hitchcock, Oklahoma, she was the sixth of seven children to David and Cora Hessel. After a happy childhood with many 4-H activities in Okeene, Janie studied education at Oklahoma State University where she met the love of her life, Robert Stanford. The two were married on May 26, 1958 and shared over 50 years of marital bliss until Bob's passing. Together they built warm, loving homes and nurtured many communities throughout the great states of Texas, Arizona, and California, and always had an open door to host family, friends, a heart in need or a weary traveler. Janie had a special talent for making people feel welcomed.

A proud matriarch, Janie poured her heart and soul into her family. She is survived by her three children Gregory (Audrey) Stanford, Stephen (Debbie) Stanford, and Gena (Daniel) Jones; her beloved "chickadees" Rob Stanford, Ashley Stanford, Megan and Brian Fried, Kyle Stanford, Ryan and Nicole Stanford, Logan and Lauryn Stanford, Katie and Tanner Foreman, Kristen and Cole Reed, Keely and Carlos Vallejo; her new great-grandbabies Braelyn Foreman, Parker Stanford and Stetson Stanford; and her dear brothers Wesley Hessel and David Hessel. She was an adoring aunt and great-aunt to many.

Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her family. Janie was a dedicated teacher and educator. She found joy in shaping young minds and left an indelible mark on each of her students in academia and ministry. This spirit continued into her many real estate ventures and even Bob's farming businesses. Janie was a lifelong student herself, receiving a master's degree from Texas Tech University, continuing certificates from Northern Arizona University, and proudly leading countless Bible studies. Always very stylish, Janie was often spotted sporting her signature OSU orange. She cherished her many adventures with her lifelong girlfriends. In addition to being an avid collector of memories, she was very fond of her many treasured collections, including detailed scrapbooks, handmade quilts, rare coins, green depression glass, and over seventy antique cake plates. She was most at home sitting among the ponderosa pines of Flagstaff with her Bible and beloved dog Hattie on her lap.

Janie was a breast cancer survivor. She defied the odds of her subsequent diagnosis of stomach cancer, serving as an example of Christ's strength and grace throughout this battle. She passed peacefully surrounded by family. We rejoice in her victory of eternal peace and everlasting life.

There will be a public viewing from 4-6 pm on Friday, February 2 at Norvel Owens Mortuary in Flagstaff, Arizona. A celebration service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 3 at Mountain View Church (2150 E. Linda Vista Dr., Flagstaff, AZ). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Indian Bible College at https://www.indianbible.org/give; checks may be sent to: Indian Bible College, PO Box 30880, Flagstaff, AZ 86003.