Mary Ruth Hester Standley

Mary Ruth Hester Standley February 18, 1921 – June 4, 2025

Mary Ruth Hester Standley, 104, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Born on February 18, 1921, in Greenville, South Carolina, Mary was the daughter of Calvin and Bessie Hester. A woman of deep faith and lifelong learning, she graduated from God’s Bible School in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina.

Mary lived a vibrant and purposeful life. She served as the manager of the Modern Book Store in Miami, Florida, and was actively involved in her community and the arts. A gifted portrait and landscape artist, she shared her passion for painting through teaching and club participation. She was a proud member of Brushstrokes of Fort Pierce, the Treasure Coast and Orange Blossom Galleries, as well as the Royal Ballroom in Vero Beach and the Crystal Ballroom in Rio. Mary had a love for ballroom dancing and traveling.

She is survived by her daughters, Dimmit M. Standley of Fort Pierce, FL, and Marilyn Standley Marzella of Colorado; granddaughter, Laurel Keith Santamarina of Woodbine, MD, and her children, Alani I. Santamarina of Los Angeles, CA, and Ronan E. Santamarina of Woodbine, MD; grandson, John M. Keith, PhD, and his children, Michelle M. Keith and Matthew D. Keith of San Diego, CA.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter J. Standley, and her daughter, Melissa Standley Martina.

Funeral services will be held privately by the family.