Edwena Brooks Bastion

Edwena Brooks Bastion, age 93, of Osawatomie, Kansas, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at Homestead Assisted Living in Osawatomie. She was often lovingly referred to as “Eddy” or “Eddie” by her many friends and family.

Edwena was born on April 4, 1932, in Foley, Alabama, to Lena Mae Hall and William T. Hall. She grew up in the deep South, surrounded by the beauty of the Gulf Coast, which she carried in her heart throughout her life.

She graduated from Foley High School in 1950. From an early age, Edwena dreamed of becoming a Registered Nurse so she could help those in need. She enrolled in the Mobile Infirmary Nursing Program that same year and proudly graduated in 1953, beginning a lifelong career of compassionate care and service to others. 

While living in Mobile, Edwena met her future husband, Norman Bastion, at the Women’s YCA. At the time, Norman was serving in the United States Air Force and stationed at Pensacola Air Force Base. The couple married on May 15, 1954, and moved to North Carolina. In later years, they returned to Kansas and lived on Norman’s parents’ farm west of Paola. Though far from her southern roots, Kansas became her home. Their marriage produced two daughters, Bambi and Gabrielle. They later divorced in 1979. Norman preceded Edwena in death.

Edwena began her nursing career at Osawatomie State Hospital in 1955 as a surgical and scrub nurse. She advanced to Nursing Supervisor over the Medical Surgical Unit at Carmichael Pavilion. In 1976, she transferred to the Adair Building, where she served as Psychiatric Nursing Supervisor, overseeing seven psychiatric wards, their patients, and staff. She also provided individual therapy and created an art therapy group for patients, combining her love of creativity with her passion for healing. Edwena was deeply proud of her career as a Registered Nurse and was known for the excellent, compassionate care she provided to all, including her own family. She retired in September 1996 after 41 years of devoted service to the State of Kansas.

Outside of her career, Edwena lived a full and creative life. She enjoyed painting in many mediums, crafting, sewing, gardening, and collecting dolls and antiques. She completed numerous paintings of landscapes, people, and animals throughout her life. She especially loved her Victorian-era home, which she decorated beautifully, particularly during the Christmas season. After retirement, she became an active member of the Red Hat Ladies Society Club and cherished traveling on bank-organized bus tours to various states and historical sites with friends. She was also known for occasionally dropping off cookies at the Osawatomie Police Department as a gesture of appreciation for their service to the community.

Edwena was preceded in death by her father Edward Brooks and mother Lena Mae Hall Sr; her stepfather, William T. Hall; her brothers, Charles F. Hall, Howard D. Hall, and Allan “Bogy” Hall; her former husband, Norman Bastion; her daughter, Bambi L. Chronister; and her great-grandson, Chance Stiffler.

She is survived by her daughter, Gabrielle Hamler (Michael T. Hamler) of Manhattan, Kansas; her brother, William T. Hall Jr. (Norma) of Lillian, Alabama; and three grandchildren: Bailey Hamler of Manhattan, Kansas; Quentin Stiffler of Mayetta, Kansas; and Zachary Stiffler (Amanda) of Quinlan, Texas. She is also survived by one great-grandson, Camden Stiffler; five nieces; six nephews; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at Osawatomie Cemetery on April 4, 2026. Reverend Ted Hunter will officiate. Family and friends are invited to begin gathering at 1:00 p.m., with burial services to follow at 2:00 p.m.