Emily Hastings
Oct. 21, 1920 to Oct. 7, 2007

Emily "Floris, Sherry, Topsy, Duke, et.al." was born in Eau Claire, Wis., to Claude Wyoming and Olive Arnberg La Duke. She was reared in Gilmington, Wis., in a small family with one brother; her mother, a teacher and housekeeper; and father, a mechanic and machinist. After finishing high school she went to Eau Claire to enter nursing school.

In 1942 she "enlisted" in the Army Nurse Corps and moved to California. During her service as a nurse, she traveled to destinations such as San Francisco, Townsville, Australia and Leyte Island in the Philippines. While in Australia, she met her husband-to-be, Walter C. Hastings Jr., during a horse-riding outing. She and her future husband were released from the U.S. Army at the end of the war and went their separate ways to see their families. They reunited in Kansas City and married.

Mrs. Hastings moved to Texas with her husband and, while searching for their new home and finally settling in Wharton, they were blessed with two sons. She worked at Wharton County Junior College as the administrator of vocational nursing for many years. Mrs. Hastings then managed continuing education for nursing personnel at Gulf Coast Medical Center. After "retiring" she volunteered at various places such as SHARE and the Wharton County Library.

Mrs. Hastings was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Walter C. Hastings Jr.

She is survived by her two sons, Robert C. Hastings and wife T.J. and William L. Hastings and wife Trish.

She felt blessed by her grandchildren, Heather, Sara, Shane, Jason and Sam.

Her great-grandchildren Chase, Shelby, Schafer, Sydney and Joshua also brought her great joy.

Following cremation a memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Wharton at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007 with Rev. Paul Quiggins offi- ciating.

Memorials may be made to the Walter C. Hastings Family Scholarship fund at Wharton County Junior College, 911 E. Boling Highway, Wharton, TX 77488.