Emma Lou Hastings

Emma Lou Hastings died Tuesday, January 4, 2022 in her home in Grand Junction, Colorado. Emma Lou was born to Dixie and Gordon Bradley on a farm near Sunnyside, Texas on September 10, 1928. She was the fourth of six children. Growing up during the depression cemented many of her life’s values, including a strong faith in the lord that helped her family through difficult times. She would say, “We little kids didn’t know we were poor because everyone else was also.” A strong faith in the lord helped the family through hard times.

The Bradley’s moved to Melrose, New Mexico in the 1940. Emma Lou graduated high school in 1946. After meeting Odus Hastings of Dimmitt, Texas that summer, they married on March 16, 1947. The couple farmed two miles west of Dimmitt and built a home where they became devoted parents to Johnna, Benny and Max. In 1980, Odus and Lou moved to Fruita, Colorado to join their sons in the oil and gas industry.

Emma Lou could be found baking cakes for those she loved, nannying for families or reading books to children at Primary Care Partners before retiring at the age of 84. Her passion for life was centered around spreading joy to those around her. Her infectious kindness often resulted in her being recognized, greeted or hugged at the grocery store, restaurants and church.

Known as Nana, she read to children at PCP for 15 years. Being a loving, caring teacher, she considered that position a joy and a privilege. Some favorite quotes from children she served:

“Stay right there, I’ll be right back after I see the doctor.”

“Will you be my grandmother?”

“You are the only reason I come to the doctor.”

“A little boy asked Martha, the nurse, “Is it going to be a big needle?”

“I’m not a little boy, I’m in the first grade.”

“I’m five years old and my girlfriend is 4 ½.”

“I have a bird that talks. Nana asked, “What does it say?” “You want a beer?” answered the child.

While looking at pictures of turkeys Nana asked, “When do we eat Turkey’s?” A three year old boy said, “After we shoot them.”

A little guy said, “I don’t want a shot and I don’t want my penis cut off either!”

Nana loved for young couples to bring their new baby in for its first check up and say, “You read to me when I was little”

Emma Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Odus. Her survivors are Anna Dee Gibbs (Alford) of Dimmitt, Texas, three children and spouses, eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

A memorial celebration is planned for Emma Lou and Odus for May, 7 2022 in Grand Junction. The day before Mother’s Day. Memorials in Emma Lou’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.callahan-edfast.com for the Hastings family.