Ralph T. Hastings

Ralph T. Hastings, age 99, of Oquawka, passed away at 5:05 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2011 at the OSF Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth. He was born on October 12, 1911 in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of James and Nora Long Hastings. Ralph was reared and educated in Kansas, and studied in the Ag Program at the University of Illinois. He served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1945. Ralph married Frances Mumey on February 15, 1942 in Keithsburg, Illinois, she preceded him in death in August of 1985. Ralph moved to Illinois in 1935. He spent most of his life as a grain and livestock farmer in the Bald Bluff Area. Ralph was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Keithsburg. Surviving Ralph are two daughters; Kathy Radice (Dan) of Chicago, Mary Pickle (Randy) of Mt. Union, Ia., two sons; Stephen Hastings (Alice) of Milpitas, Ca., and Daniel Hastings (Donna) of San Jose, Ca. Also surviving are three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, two sisters, and one brother. Services:A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 27, 2011 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Keithsburg, Ill. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Oquawka Cemetery. Ralph's family will be present from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday Evening at Turnbulls in Oquawka to receive friends. A Rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Keithsburg.