MADISON - Dolly Stanford, age 91, of Madison, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Four Winds Manor, of pancreatic cancer. She was born on November 14, 1934, in McGregor, Iowa, the daughter of Everett "Peanuts" and Olive (Durr) Fields.

Dolly graduated from West High School in 1953. She was united in marriage to Herbert Stanford on June 4, 1954.

Dolly found joy in tending her garden and filling her pantry with her home-canned treasures. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. A passionate collector, she cherished her Dept. 56 houses, dolls, and salts. Some of her happiest memories were made at family reunions in McGregor, Iowa, gathered at the old Norwegian church. She was well-known-and deeply loved-for her famous peanut brittle, chocolate chip cookies, divinity and fudge.

Dolly is survived by her three children, Debra (David) Lueders, Daniel (Sandy) Stanford and Lisa Snyder; grandchildren, Shawn Lueders, Loralyn (William) Buelow, Sarah (Shawn) Kennedy, Amy (Josh) Crooks, Anthony (Erika) Stanford, Alex (Tara McDonnell) Stanford, Garrett and Gannon Piernot, and Madison and Derek Snyder; great-grandchildren, Liera and Jensen Buelow, Gavin Vale, Tyler and Nathan Crooks, Cheyenne and Jace Stanford, and Reagan, Everett, Quinn and Rhys McDonnell; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Herbert Stanford; son, Michael Stanford; brothers, Terry and Gary Fields; and sister, Shirley Haase.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Burial will take place at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026. Anyone is welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, American Family Children's Hospital or River Food Pantry.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Four Winds Manor, the Carbone Cancer Center and Agrace HospiceCare for all of their wonderful care and support given to Dolly and her family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Dolly Stanford

November 14, 1934 - January 30, 2026

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