Frances Hastings passed away on June 1st at the age of 89, and now lives in the dwelling place that Jesus prepared for her. She was born in San Antonio on January 20, 1929, to Victor and Ruby Wiedenfeld. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters: Lillian Kelley, Doris Barneburg, and Ruth Shelton; and 2 brothers: Victor Wiedenfeld and Don Wiedenfeld; and her son Craig Hastings and grandson Adam Hastings.
She is survived by her husband of 71 years, George Hastings, and children Allan Hastings (Valerie), Keith Hastings (JoAnn), Brian Hastings, Carol Hastings Whitaker, and Roger Hastings (Lisa). She is also survived by grandchildren Donald Waddle (Niki), Ann Waddle Saylor (Ron), Eva Whitaker Raney (KC), Teresa Whitaker Angier (Gregg), David Whitaker (Katie), Aubrey Hastings, Sydney Hastings, Shayne Hastings and Reagan Hastings and great grandchildren Kendall, Ben, Katie, Eddie, Carrie, Lizzie, Gwen, Bradley, Brooke, Carter, Ellie, Benny, and Charlie, and nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends too numerous to count.
The youngest girl in her family, she was known in childhood for her precociousness: Family members never forgot the time when the family cat ended up in the mailbox. Frances was only 12 when an older friend brought George Hastings over to the house. She was introduced to him as “Bratlyn” and he thought that was her name until told otherwise. He was 14, and took a shine to her nonetheless. She had a strong bond with her brothers, and especially her sisters, one that never wavered even when two of them moved across the country.
She married the love of her life, George, two days before her 18th birthday, and remained devoted to him her entire life. Together they created a life centered on family and faith. Their home was the source of much love, laughter, and many good memories. Friends and family alike remember holidays and special occasions hosted by George and Frances, and their home became the constant gathering place for 59 years. She always had sweets to share and never let anyone leave her home hungry.
Frances was outgoing, friendly, and generous by nature. She found joy in doing for others, and always wanted to give to those who might otherwise have done without. A true “people person,” she was happiest when surrounded by others. She might have known them for 20 years, or 20 minutes, either way was just fine with her. Frances never forgot a birthday or an anniversary, and you could count on her to call and check on you in good times or in bad. Her knowledge of family history and telling of family stories was legendary, and part of the fun of hearing them was the uncertain nature of where some of them might end up. She loved to share the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, and loved to hear the same from family and friends.
Frances loved to travel, and was known to make George go a few miles out of the way when searching for something she insisted on seeing. Over many years, he drove her through every one of the 48 contiguous states, stopping along the way to take in the sights in places like Carlsbad Caverns, Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, Mackinac Island, Mount Vernon, and Monticello, just for starters.
She was equally happy at home, where she and George were longtime members of Northeast Baptist Church. There, she sang in the choir, and participated actively in Woman’s Missionary Union (W.M.U). Frances also enjoyed a long affiliation with Bexar County Republican Women. She graduated in 1946 from Brackenridge High School, and remained active in the Alumni Association until her death
Frances will always be remembered as a strong woman of God and leaves behind family and friends who all should aspire to be as loving and giving as she was. A constant prayer warrior, we can all know that each one of us found our names brought before God in times of need or times of joy. Her greatest prayer would be for us all to know her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as she knew him. She rests now and hopes to see us all again one day in Heaven.
