Florence Irene Hastings

Florence (Flossie) Hastings of Pasco, WA passed away peacefully in her sleep late Sunday night, May 22, 2011. Florence was born to Charles and Gulborg (Goldie) Johnson May 3rd, 1914 in Minot, ND. She and her husband Ivan, who adoringly referred to her as 'Butch', were wed in Spokane April 17, 1937. They spent more than 65 years together in a loving marriage establishing a solid foundation based on the importance of family. The most treasured things in her life were the 4 B's: Bingo, bowling, bridge, and, most importantly, her four boys: Roger, Richard (Doc), Robert (Rabbit), and Regan (Rube). Florence and Ivan moved their young family from Spokane to Pasco in 1947 to start their own business, Columbia Basin Paper and Supply. CBP&S has been in the family since its inception with sons Doc and then Regan taking over the responsibilities. She was very proud to be a charter member of Emblem Club #322, of Pasco, WA. Florence will be remembered by many as outgoing and social. She and Ivan were frequently spotted in their younger years dancing on Friday nights at various local fraternal organizations. They regularly hosted gatherings at their home in Pasco to celebrate any occasion (as evidenced by the volumes of photo albums documenting the festivities that she and Ivan cherished). Florence was a gifted piano player, entertaining friends and family and her musical influence is seen in some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Raising their children in Pasco, Florence and Ivan opened their house up to many of their son's friends, passing the time playing cards, board games and providing a place for them to study. She will be remembered for her quick wit and always having a joke to share, sometimes astonishing her audience with the faintly risqué substance of her humor. Florence is credited for starting the family tradition of playing poker after Thanksgiving Dinner; continuing the game into the wee hours of the morning, even into her later years. When she won a hand, it was always with charm and surprise. When she lost a hand, it was 'for the fun of it' knowing that the winning pot was going to a family member. She is survived by her four sons Roger Hastings and his wife Linda of Richland, WA; Congressman Doc Hastings and his wife Claire of Pasco, WA; Robert Hastings and his wife Connie of Reno, NV and Regan Hastings and his wife Janis of Pasco, WA. Florence is lovingly known as 'Grandma Butch' to her grandchildren Ned (Wendy) Hastings of Pasco, WA; Holly (Marty) Wilson of Henderson, NV; Piper (Will) Mercer of Richland, WA; Kirsten (Craig) Lancaster of Selah, WA; Petrina (Robert) Zusy of Coto de Caza, CA; Colin (Lara) Hastings of Pasco, WA; A.J. Nay of Long Beach, CA; Heather (Dan) Green of Newport, WA; Hilary (Adam) Hoffman of Millwood, WA; Spencer Ferwerda Kennewick, WA and her 23 Great Grandchildren. She will be missed by her numerous nephews and nieces that she loved very much. Florence is preceded in death by her husband Ivan; her parents; and her seven siblings Esther, Willard, Hal, Helen, Eleanor, Gladys and Bob. The Hastings family would like to thank The Manor at Canyon Lakes, Home Sweet Home, Hospice and Dr. Wayne Kohan for their care and comfort after her husband (known as 'Baba' to her grandchildren) passed away in 2002. Arrangements are through Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home, located at 1608 West Court Street in Pasco, WA. There will be a viewing Thursday May 26th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and a celebration of Florence Hastings' life will be held Friday, May 27th at 2:00 PM and internment following at City View Cemetery, Pasco WA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choosing.