Obituary: Pruda Back Stanley

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pruda Back Stanley, 98, of Oxford, Ohio. Prudy was born on February 6, 1926, in Letcher County, Kentucky, and died on February 4, 2025, after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her husband Earl P.  (Jack) Stanley,(1999); mother, Martha Melton Caudill Back (1973); father, Henry Back (1940) and 19 sisters and brothers. Prudy is survived by her four children, Ernest, Debra, Earl, and Kathleen, son-in-law Mark Crispin, daughter in-law Debra Ann, sister-in-law Iona Caudill, and brother-in-law Joseph Statum. She leaves seven grandchildren Melissa, Eric, Stacy, Heather, Elizabeth, Clara, and Amanda, six great grandchildren, and many nieces and  nephews. She was dearly loved by all.  

Prudy was beautiful both inside and out. She was kind, smart, and funny. She truly lived by  the age-old proverb, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” She volunteered her time to work in the community with a long time commitment to the Oxford Food Pantry and Oxford Senior Citizens Center. Although her educational opportunities were limited by resources and societal constraints, Prudy had a keen intellect and loved learning. It was rare to find her watching TV when she could be reading. She had a witty sense of humor that could easily go unnoticed except by family and close friends. She loved practical jokes, usually being the instigator, not the prankster.  

Prudy came from a large blended, extended family. She once said that living a long life meant a lot of grieving for the loss of relatives and friends. During her later years, she was able to connect with younger generations of family via Facebook. She found joy in  discovering new yet familiar connections.  

Prudy will be so greatly missed and always occupy a special place in our hearts. 

This obituary was originally published on the website of Paul R. Young Funeral Home.