Our loving mother, grandmother, sister and dear friend, Vera May Rice Hastings, 91, passed away November 27, 2021 at Parkdale Care Center in Price.
She was born December 24, 1929 in Rupert, Idaho to Clyde and Zeta Thurman Rice. On March 18, 1950 she married the love of her life, Tommy Jene Hastings, in Stanwood, Washington. Vera lived a life of service and she especially treasured the many fond memories that she shared with her Eastern Star family. At 18 years of age, she was initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star in Stanwood, Washington, and for the next 70 years remained a distinguished member of the Stanwood, Bethany Chapter #9 (Green River, Utah) and Naomi Chapter # 13 (Price, Utah) Orders of the Eastern Star where she made many lifelong friends and acquaintances. Vera was also proud of the fact that she was a member of the Daughters of the Nile, Social Order of the Beauceant and Daughters of Utah Pioneers.
Vera had many hobbies in life; however, her favorite was studying genealogy. Vera was proud of her heritage and she loved nothing more than reminiscing about her family, their whereabouts and whom she was related to. Vera was so good at this, that she probably found out things that she shouldn’t have. Vera and Tommy loved to visit with family and friends and they were happiest while sharing stories. Vera also enjoyed her leather work, working outdoors, caring for her dogs, and going to family reunions in Idaho. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by two sons, two daughters and their spouses, Howard L. Hastings, Miller Creek, Margeret Jean (Terry) Cook, Clifton, CO, Melissa Ann Holloway (Frank Trease), Scofield, Thomas J. (Twyla) Hastings, Miller Creek; sisters, Dorothy Joan Harmon, Nampa, ID, Maxine Ruth Maupin, Tempe, AZ; and many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Vera was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Tommy J. Hastings; daughter-in-law, Shirley Tsaousis; sister, Elsie Louise; and five brothers, George, Ernest, Clyde, Cecil and “A.D.” Rice.
Funeral service, Saturday, December 4, 2021, 2:00 p.m., Mitchell Funeral Home. Family will receive friends at Mitchell’s Friday from 4:00-5:00 p.m. and Saturday one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Wellington City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net