Zena Beth Hastings

Zena Beth Venneberg Hastings, age 85 of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and long-time Bentonville resident, went safely into the arms of Jesus Thursday evening, January 24, 2019, at Lutheran Life Villages in Fort Wayne. Mrs. Hastings was born March 26, 1933 in Hays, Kansas, the only daughter to Walter Fred and Lydia Elizabeth Venneberg. Zena is preceded in death by her husband William Dale Hastings, Sr; her daughter, Linda Sue Hastings Land; her parents, Walter and Lydia Venneberg; her brothers, Clarence, Roger and Jerry Venneberg; and a beloved daughter-in-law, Capitola Hastings. Zena Beth was a 1952 graduate of Bentonville High School. She married William on June 5, 1954 in Great Falls, Montana and they were married for 58 years at the time of William’s passing. Zena worked at RTW in Rogers for over 25 years. Among the things she loved the most were her precious grandchildren, playing the organ and watching Chip Gaines. Mom loved the HGTV channel and DAYSTAR. Every Sunday night at 7, she faithfully watched Rejoice in the Lord, an hour long program on the Campus Church of Pensacola, Florida. Mom loved this show because they were the only church she knew of who still used hymnals! Mom’s famous phrase: “I am a hugger” held true throughout her life. If you came to visit mom, you would not get to leave without a hug! While we miss her physical presence on this earth, our trust is in Christ alone and we know that we will see her sweet face again one day. Zena was a long time member of Lakeview Baptist Church, Cave Springs, Arkansas. Zena is survived by her two children, William Hastings, Jr., his wife, Jackie, of Fort Wayne, Indiana and by her daughter, Kathy Whelchel and her husband, Frank of Rogers. Most importantly of all are her precious grandchildren who she loved more than anything, Cory Hastings of Columbus, Kansas, Blake, Payton and Ayden Hastings of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Zachary Whelchel of Rogers, and Jessie Whelchel of Baton Rouge, Lousiana. Zena is also survived by a precious sister-in-law, Josie Venneberg; niece, Lisa Graham, her husband Darryl and their children, son Stephen, and daughter Stephanie and her daughter Serenity. Mom had so many friends who were like family to her especially Betty Milczarski, of Rogers, Mom’s very best friend in the whole world, who she loved like a sister and by Debbie and Jeff Moreland, with whom Mom shared a precious grandson, Blake. Zena also loved her four legged grandchildren, Baby Luna, Coco Chanel, Bo, Samson and Lilly very much. Visitation for Zena will be Thursday, January 31, 2019, from: 4-7:00pm at Lakeview Baptist Church in Cave Springs. Mom’s Memorial Service will be Friday, February 1, 2019 at 11:00 am, also at the Church. Officiating are Rev. Johnny Harp, Rev. Pat Robinson, and Pastor Derry Birdsong. Zena will be laid to rest beside her husband William at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville. Our family would love to thank Lutheran Life Villages, Fort Wayne, Indiana for loving Mom and taking such good care of her while she was a resident there and to Visiting Nurse Hospice, especially Nurse Nan who was so precious to our mom. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202. www.diabetes.org The American Diabetes Association was near and dear to mom’s heart. Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers. Condolences may be expressed at www.RollinsFuneral.com