Wendy Marie (Tolton) Standiford, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on July 19, 2025. She was born on June 13, 1961, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota, one of five children born to Robert and Kathleen (Merkle) Tolton.

Wendy grew up on the family ranch near Midland, SD where she attended Pleasant View Country School before joining Midland High School.

From a young age, Wendy was known for her outgoing personality and deep love of animals, especially cats. Whether helping on the ranch driving tractor or rescuing a stray, she was happiest when surrounded by animals large and small. At one time, she even had a pet raccoon, a reflection of her adventurous spirit.

She carried that same love of freedom onto the open road, finding joy in riding down the highway on a motorcycle, wind in her hair and a smile on her face.

Wendy was united in marriage to Ken Standiford, and together they were blessed with two sons, Jason and Jared, who were the light of her life. She took great pride in raising them and later found immense joy in being a grandmother.

Over the years, Wendy worked alongside Ken doing the books for Ken’s Repair and later as a cook for Head Start in Pierre, where her laughter and kindness brightened the days of many children and coworkers.

Her nieces and nephews will forever remember the fun they had at Aunt Wendy’s house, including shooting pool in the basement, watching Top Gun, and receiving thoughtful Christmas and birthday gifts that showed how much she cared. That basement pool table even led to a special victory when Wendy entered a pool tournament in Midland and won.

Wendy is survived by her sons, Jason and Jared Standiford; her cherished grandchildren; her mother, Kathleen Tolton; her sister, Cindy Koehler; her brothers, Tim Tolton and Gordon Tolton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Tolton, and her brother, Neil Tolton.

Wendy’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.