Welda E. Herbelin Stanley (aka “Anga” and “Baha”), 102, of Waco, Texas passed away peacefully on May 21, 2018.


Visitation was from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29th. Services were at 10 a.m. on Wednesday May 30th at Oakcrest Funeral Home (4520 Bosque Blvd., Waco, Texas 76710) with Bro. Jerry Smith officiating. Burial was at Rosemound Cemetery.


She was born on February 29, 1916, the day of leap year, and everyone immediately realized how special she was.  Family members teased that she only aged every 4 years, and this proved prophetic as her youth, vigor, and wits stayed with her until the very end.


Welda, or “Anga” as she was lovingly known (“Anga” stems from her youngest son’s attempt to call her “Angel”), was born in the Rogers Hill, Texas area to George and Della (Lassetter) Herbelin. She lived in Waco the majority of her adult life, initially working as a homemaker and raising five children. After the children left home and until her retirement she worked as a private home health care provider for the Nance family and others. Upon the births of her grandchildren, she took on a mothering-nurturing role by always babysitting and being an inspiration to them. She loved being able to “raise” all  these babies.


She and her husband Ray owned and operated a used car lot known as Stanley’s Service Motors for well over 50 years. In the middle 70’s they acquired and operated Lake Whitney Motel and Cafe on Hwy. 22 that served the community for around 15 years. She also played a very active and helpful role in establishing other family businesses: a printing company that was successful for over 40 years, and a fireworks business with multiple locations throughout McLennan and Hill counties.


Welda was a strong and loving woman who cared deeply not only for her family, but also those with whom she came in contact on a daily basis throughout her life; she never met a stranger.


During the presidential election in 2016 at the age of 100, Welda was one of the oldest voters at the polls and was featured in the Waco Tribune Herald.


Welda was preceded in death by her husband, Ray E. Stanley; daughter, Darlene Dawson; son, Jack Stanley; parents, George W. & Della L. Herbelin; sisters Hortense Brink and Rachel Martin-Brown; brothers Julius B. Herbelin, George W. Herbelin, Jr. and Joe A. Herbelin.


Welda is survived by her sister, Mickie Uptmore of China Spring; daughter, Barbara Merkel of Las Vegas, NV; sons George Ray Stanley of Fairfield and Michael D. Stanley, Sr. of Waco; son-in-law, Wayne Dawson of Robinson; daughter-in-law, Donna Stanley of China Spring; grandchildren, Lisha Stanley of Fruitvale; Stephanie Vickers and husband, Cal, of Brentwood, TN; George Ray Stanley, Jr. and wife Cathy, of Fairfield; Connie Stotler and husband Mike, of Las Vegas, NV; Julie Gilmer and husband, Joe, of Las Vegas, NV; Robin Fowler and husband, John, of Robinson; Jeannie Eason and husband, Scott, of Robinson; Michael D. Stanley, Jr. and wife, Brittny of Rosanky; Kerra Stanley of Waco; Betty Sue Otto of MO; Tammy Jaye of Newalla, OK; Dickie Stanley and wife Darcie of Tombstone, AZ; LaDonna DeLano of China Spring; Bo Stanley and wife Barbara of Iowa Park; Candace Stanley of China Spring; Michelle Richter and husband Jeff of Elm Mott; Rachel Stanley-Moore and husband Gary of Keller; numerous great and great, great grandchildren.


The family would like to thank Greenview Manor Nursing Home staff and Candy Stanley along with the many health care providers during the last 25 years. Special love and thanks goes out to Jeannie Eason, Robin Fowler, Noi Bridges, Nina Luedke, Shakoor Turner, Tanesha Gowans, Kerra Stanley, Brit and Michael Stanley and Jeannie Buro for the many hours spent taking care of Anga during the years.


Pallbearers: John Fowler, Collin Fowler, Scott Eason, Robert Docherty, Toby Coulter, Craig Coulter



Anga votes 4 months shy of her 101st. Birthday! This Photo taken by Jerry Larson featured on the front page of the Waco Tribune-Herald newspaper and website.

View Anga’s Photographic Memorial                      View Anga’s Funeral Service


© 2018 Michael D. Stanley, Sr.

aka ANGA & Baha

February 29, 1916 - May 21, 2018


In Loving memory of