Virginia M. Hastings

Virginia Minnie Wilbur Hastings, of Elsie, lived a glorious 100 years, dying on November 10, 2015 at the Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala.

She was born September 12, 1915 to Chauncey and Ricki Harms Wilbur on a farm near Belgrade, Nebraska. She lived with her parents, 5 brothers and one sister in eastern Nebraska. When she was 13 years old they moved to Grainton where she finished school.

On September 12, 1933, she was united in marriage to John Hastings in North Platte, Nebraska. They farmed together south of Elsie raising three children, Willis, Karen, and Tom. The first 27 years of the marriage they lived in what we affectionate called the "Soddy", one of the few remaining sod houses in Nebraska. She often said the most important role of her life was that of mother and she actively supported and encouraged her children's participation in sports and 4-H competition.

Virginia was very involved in a variety of community activities that centered around the things she most loved to do. She took great pride in her cooking and sewing skills and shared these by serving as a leader of the Happy Homemakers Extension Club, serving on the Perkins County Extension Board and as a 4-H leader where she taught many members to sew and cook.

Virginia also advocated higher education for girls and boys and was the first woman elected to the Elsie School Board.

As a Gold Star sister, having lost brother Gus in WWII, she participated in many auxiliary activities and served as president of the Elsie Auxiliary for several years and finally as Perkins County Auxiliary President.

Virginia also served as the Elsie representative on the Senior Citizens Board.

She was a member of the Grainton United Methodist Church, serving as President of the United Methodist Women and as superintendent of the Sunday School. When the Grainton Church closed, she moved her membership to the Elsie United Methodist Church. She enjoyed being around children and was head cook for several years at the Elsie Public Schools.


But her greatest role was that of mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an amazing mother who helped raise her family during some trying times. We lived an amazingly happy fulfilled life because of her love and support. Our mother's life was not to focus on money or stature but her life's mission was to support and care for her parents, siblings, her children and their families, her church, and her little town of Elsie, Nebraska. Our mother was always our biggest supporter. She let us dream big dreams and even when we failed at something she was there to encourage us. She made us feel like we could do anything in the world if we put our mind to it. God has blessed us more than any one on earth. One of our greatest blessings was being the children of Virginia Hastings and her late husband John.

She is survived by Willis (Mary) of Ogallala, Karen (Ron) of Honolulu, and Tom (Donna) of Hastings; 5 grandchildren, John (Naomi) of Oxford, Todd (Marleta) of Chadron, Sarah (Kinney) of Plattsmouth, Kinsey of Dallas, Tx., and Jeff of Lincoln; 7 great-grandchildren, Larissa, Mikaela, and Moriah of Chadron, Cora, Elsie, and Nathaniel of Oxford and Brandon of Plattsmouth, one sister, Margie of Mesa, Ar., and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband John, parents, and 5 brothers, Ervan, Gustave, Harold, Walter, and Chester.

A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the service will also be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Services will be held on Friday, November 13, 2015 at 10:30 AM at the Elsie United Methodist Church with Pastor Linda Battello officiating. Burial will be in the Elsie Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, November 12, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Bullock-Long Funeral Home.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.