Rosalyn Hastings Obituary

ROSALYN (JONES) HASTINGS, 95, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on October 6, 2025.

Born to Margaret and Thomas Jones, Sr., Rosalyn grew up in North Little Rock and graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy in 1948. She went on to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where she pledged Delta Gamma Sorority and formed many lifelong friendships.

In 1953, Rosalyn married the love of her life, Harry Hastings, Jr. Together they shared 72 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in their Catholic faith and love for family. Rosalyn was the heart and matriarch of their home. Known for her reliability, grace, and warmth, she always had a homecooked meal on the table and could seamlessly host a last-minute dinner party or attend a school program for her grandchildren. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she never missed an opportunity to celebrate their milestones. She and Harry were true partners—he often said he entered marriage as a contract: he would take care of her, and she would take care of him. And together, they honored that promise for a lifetime.

The couple’s life together was filled with adventure and joy. From traveling the world with friends, to crisscrossing the country in their motor coach, to exploring the Arkansas River and beyond on their boat, Rosalyn was always the faithful first mate, making sure everything was in tip-top shape and everyone was well cared for. She was humble and kind to people from all walks of life. Her thoughtfulness shone through in gestures like handwritten birthday cards, homemade Christmas cookies, and the warm hugs she gave to her grandchildren—always followed by the words, “I love you, more than you know.”

Rosalyn is survived by her husband, Harry; three children: Harry Lee Hastings III (Libby), Cathy Owen (Steve), and Stan Hastings (Linda); her sister, Betty Mayfield of Houston, TX; nine grandchildren: Harry Lee Hastings IV (Nikki), Andrew Hastings (Mary Katherine), Grant Hastings (Jillian), Anne Marie Doramus (Joe), Steven Owen, Sara Holliday (Drew), Stanley Hastings (Jordyn), Tyler Hastings, and Ali Tripoli (Michael); and thirteen great-grandchildren, who brought her immense pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Thomas Jones, Sr.; her brother, Thomas Jones, Jr.; two sisters: Margaret Phillips and Mary Crain; and her daughter-in-law, Michelle Bach Hastings.

Rosalyn will be remembered for her faith, her devotion to family, her strength, and the love she poured into every detail of her life.

The family is especially grateful to the Arkansas Heart Hospital Congestive Heart Failure Clinic, whose compassionate care gave Rosalyn additional years of joy and life with her family.

A Catholic Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, October 10, 2025 at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, 1003 N. Tyler St., Little Rock, A rosary will start at 9:30 AM preceding the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mount St. Mary Academy.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170.