ALTA VISTA — Betty Jo Hastings, 78, of Alta Vista, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother whose talents as a quilter brought warmth and comfort to countless people, died Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus, in Rochester, Minnesota.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 7, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Alta Vista, with the Rev. Donald Hertges celebrating. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Alta Vista.
Family and friends are invited to visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 6, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma, beginning with a rosary at 4 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour before Saturday’s Memorial Mass at the church.
Born March 21, 1948, in Elma, Betty Jo was the daughter of John “Edward” and Margaret “Peggy” (Kobliska) Beecher. She attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Elma and graduated in 1966, carrying the values of faith, family and hard work throughout her life.
Her love story with Jack Hastings began in an unusual way. Jack regularly rode past on horseback while traveling to court another young woman. Betty Jo noticed him, and those passing encounters eventually blossomed into a marriage that would span nearly six decades.
The couple married April 22, 1967, at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma. They spent their first year together in Cedar Rapids before returning to rural Elma for 10 years and eventually settling into their longtime home outside Alta Vista.
Together, Betty Jo and Jack raised five daughters — Jackie, Bobby, Casey, Amy and Angela — who became the center of her world.
Betty Jo approached motherhood with determination, humor and an honesty her family could always count on. She offered advice from the heart, comfort during difficult moments and laughter when it was needed most.
For 34 years, Betty Jo served her community as a school bus driver, becoming a familiar, dependable presence in the daily routines of local children and families.
But it was her remarkable talent with fabric and thread that became one of her most cherished contributions. An opportunity offered by Jill Reicks introduced Betty Jo to what she considered her dream job: quilting. Jill became a dear friend and a source of support over the next 30 years.
Betty Jo went on to create hundreds, perhaps thousands, of quilts, each reflecting her creativity and dedication to making something meaningful for another person. She wanted every recipient to feel the warmth and love sewn into the work.
Her passion for quilting continued throughout the final three decades of her life. Just as important were her telephone conversations with her daughters and friends, when she shared encouragement, humor and her own brand of advice.
Her grandchildren brought another special dimension of happiness to her life. She treasured their company and delighted in watching them grow. Family members knew her as a loving sister, a funny aunt, a loyal friend and a devoted mother.
She is survived by her husband, Jack Hastings of Alta Vista; five daughters, Bobby (Jon) Newman of Greenwich, Connecticut, Jackie (Thad) King of Cedar Rapids, Casey Hastings of Alta Vista, Amy (Rafael) Ortiz of Waterloo, and Angela (Philip Shaw) Hastings of Beacon, New York.
She is also survived by six grandchildren, Danny, Remy, Jesse and George Newman, Clive Hastings and Sienna Ortiz; her brother, Lindy (Wendy) Beecher of Eagan, Minnesota; and four sisters, Sharon Gansen of Elma, Mary (Bill) Roths of Cedar Falls, Marcia (Greig) Grimm of Charles City, and June (Arnie) Laures of Waukon.
Betty Jo was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Pat (Wayne) Arnold; and her brother-in-law, Jim Gansen.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Betty Jo’s family, who will distribute them to causes and organizations that held special meaning to her.
Additional service information, condolences and opportunities to share memories are available through Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home’s obituary for Betty Jo Hastings.
Betty Jo leaves behind a legacy in the family she raised, the friendships she treasured and the quilts she crafted. Long after the final stitch was sewn, the warmth she shared will continue to be felt by those who loved her.
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