Alta June McCarrell-Hastie

Alta June (“June Bug”) McCarrell-Hastie slipped peacefully from this world to the spiritual realm where there is neither pain nor sorrow on September 27, 2025. Alta was a long-time resident of Las Cruces, New Mexico. She was born April 16, 1931, in the small town of Rockwood, Texas, the eldest of five children born to Andy Jasper and Reba McCarrell. Alta’s early years occurred during the Dust Bowl and Depression eras, which undoubtedly contributed to the strength, work ethic, and determination which carried her throughout her long and productive life of 94 years as a loving mother and homemaker, active community member, and benefactor to many worthy causes. Alta also worked as a waitress, bookkeeper, Pony Express Driver, and for American Greetings, among various other vocations, all the while meeting the demands of raising her five children with practical wisdom, sage advice, humor, and when necessary, appropriately firm, fair discipline—but always with enduring and unending love.

As she traveled through all of life’s adventures, challenges, joys and sorrows, Alta was consistently loving, supportive, and reliable when it came to family and friends. Her creativity and generosity were well-known among those who loved her. In her later years, she enjoyed Sunday gatherings on her front porch with a group of loyal friends who brought laughter, love, good food, companionship, and sharing to her home. She always looked forward to these little luncheons each week with Beth, Loretta, Susan, Misako, and many others. All were welcome to join the fun, and precious memories were made and recalled often.

Alta June is survived by one brother, Bob McCarrell, her loving daughters Lynda McCarrell and Marsha Short, a beloved stepdaughter, Kat Hastie-Baker, and a son, Larry Lynch. She is also survived by grandchildren Kris, Melanie, and Erik Nielsen, Randy and Nancy Lynch, 7 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sisters Wilma Jean and Catherine McCarrell, a brother, Billy Jack McCarrell, two sons, Terry and Douglas Lynch, one grandchild, Michael Nielsen, and two spouses, both WWII veterans, Marshall Lynch and Dave Hastie.

Alta June McCarrell-Hastie was a proud life member of the VFW Post 10124 Auxiliary on 709 S. Valley in Las Cruces for 42 years. She did not wish to have a memorial service, and in lieu of flowers or similar gifts, she hoped that any donations might be forwarded to that organization to support programs that will continue to serve veterans and their families for years to come.