Laura May Hastings

Laura May Oldson Hastings, 88, of Searcy, Arkansas received her angel wings on December 24, 2024, on her 88th birthday. Laura was born December 24, 1936 in Seibert, Colorado to parents Dan and Edith Oldson. Laura graduated in 1955 from Duchesne High School, in Duchesne, Utah; and at age 19, married pipe liner Walter Vaughn Hastings. The couple soon settled in Judsonia, Arkansas, and were blessed with three children. Just before her husband passed away from cancer in 1981, Laura began serving Searcy nursing home residents and continued for nearly 40 years. She started as a CNA at the former Leisure Lodge nursing home while she earned an associate’s degree at Foothills Vo Tech in Searcy. After becoming an LPN , Laura worked well into her 80s before retiring from The Crossing at Riverside, where she later became a resident and hospice patient. Laura was preceded in death by husband, Walter Vaughn Hastings; and daughters LaDonna Kay Hastings, and Susan Lynn Bowman; also brothers Bill Oldson and Bob Oldson. Laura is survived by her son, Michael Vaughn Hastings (Eric Camp) of Little Rock; son-in-law Don Bowman of Bald Knob, brothers Ronnie Oldson (Debbie) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Russ (Kathy) Oldson of Denton, TX, and Randy Oldson of Rock Springs, Wyoming. Also surviving, grandchildren Samantha Hastings Pearson (Michael) of West Palm Beach, Florida, Anthony Joeris (Kim) of Abilene, TX, Joshua Bowman (Lauren) of Vilonia, and Jeremy Bowman (Jennifer) of Hazen, Arkansas. Her great grandchildren (the lights of her life) Andrew, Austin, Addison, and Alexander Bowman. A Family Visitation & Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 11th, 2025, at Powell Funeral Home, 1272 Hwy. 367 N., Bald Knob, Arkansas. Family visitation at 10 am, service at 11am. The Arkansas Nurses Honor Guard will honor Laura’s nursing career during the memorial. While residing at The Crossing, Laura looked forward to therapeutic visits with rescued basset hounds twice a week, and spoiled them with love, treats, and conversation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue, a nonprofit rescuing basset hounds from dire circumstances in Arkansas and beyond (tristatebassets.org). Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Bald Knob-Judsonia.

Laura May Hastings

December 24, 1936 - December 24, 2024