Rita Sue Gates Stanley

Mrs. Rita Sue Gates Stanley, 75, of Ararat, VA, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, October 9, 2025, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. Mrs. Stanley was born March 10, 1950, in Surry County, the older of two daughters born to the late Jack W. and Kathryn Collins Gates. Rita grew up in Mount Airy and attended Mount Airy High School. For more than 50 years, Rita worked as a beautician, sharing her gift for making others look and feel their best. She owned and operated Ego Hour Beauty Salon, where through her chair passed not only hairstyles but stories, laughter, friendship, and the sharing of God’s Word. Her clients became like family, and her gentle touch and warm smile will be remembered by all who knew her. Outside the salon, Rita enjoyed gardening, canning, and spending time with her family. She was also a beloved member of Trinity Baptist Church in Claudville, VA. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Quinton Junior Stanley; a daughter, Amanda Stanley Dezern (Sean); two grandsons, Walker Bowman (Suzanna) and Brady Anderson (McKinley Turner); two stepgrandchildren, JonAustin Dezern (Emily) and Janson Dezern; a sister, Lori Gates Puckett (Randy); and a special cousin, Betty Snow. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Trinity Baptist Church in Claudville, VA, with the Rev. Chad Harrison and the Rev. Rick Byerly officiating. Burial will follow in the Doe Run Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM at Trinity Baptist Church. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love, care, and compassion shown by the staff at Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 6201 Claudville Highway, Claudville, VA 24076; or Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.