Oretha M. Tankersley Standley went to be with the Lord on December 28, 2011 at the age of 85. She was born May 8, 1926 in Arkansas. Oretha was happiest when she was busy. During WWII Oretha worked as a welder on the Liberty ships in Washington State. After marrying Searcy H. Standley on December 27, 1945, they made Palacios their home. They operated Standley's Bait Camp for many years.

She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law Pat and Tom Ellis and Alta and Kent Barnett; two granddaughters Tommie Lynn & husband Jeff Miller and Alta May and Husband Ray Herrera; two grandsons Searcy Barnett and Wylen Barnett and wife Glynis; three great grandchildren Sarah, Samson and Sidney and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5pm to 7pm Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 4:00 PM Friday, December 30, 2011 at the Palacios Funeral Home with Rev. Louis Rush officiating. Interment will follow at Palacios Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tommy Ellis, Kent Barnett, Ramon Herrera, Jeff Miller, Searcy Barnett and Wylen Barnett. James Morton will serve as honorary pallbearer.