With sadness and profound gratitude, the family of Linda Carol Hastings (Cheney) 78, announces her passing on Oct. 25, 2021. Linda passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side after a courageous four-year battle with Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC). Linda was not ready to go but was at peace that it was her time.

Linda was born July 26, 1943, in Shelton, WA to Arn and LaDonna (O’Neil) Cheney and was the oldest of four children.  She attended Shelton Schools and graduated from Shelton High School in 1961. She went on to attend two years at Western Washington University. She had a happy and enjoyable childhood which resulted in many strong friendships that became lifelong friends that she was still acquainted with up until her death.

She met her husband Roger Hastings on a blind date (she thought it was a different Roger) as she was pursuing a career as a Stewardess. Love took over and grounded Linda from entering the Airline Industry as Stewardess’ could not be married in earlier times. They married Nov 14, 1964 (almost 57 years ago!) and went on to have three wonderful children.  Linda was a homemaker while raising the kids. She was a mentor to them while establishing a good value system and solid principles. Her children have nothing but fond memories of their mother while growing up in a loving household. She was always available for them whether it was sporting events, carpool driver, school projects, PTA meetings and so on. Privately Roger called her ‘Precious’ because she was so good at ‘Poof’.

Linda was renowned for her cooking and baking skills. Whether it was a family birthday celebration, Holidays, or just cookies from scratch for her husband’s sweet tooth she knocked it out of the park every time! She was equally the Ultimate Host. From elegant gourmet dinner parties to Cougar-Husky pre-game party nights she covered it all. She was also a positive impact with fundraisers and social events at Roger’s place of business, Petersen Hastings.

Linda was full of energy and ambition. Jogging, skiing, hiking, and tennis kept her fit in her younger years. She completed many 5K runs and played and practiced tennis at the TCCC. Linda even crossed off skydiving from her bucket list as that was how she celebrated her 50^th birthday at the Richland Airport!

In her golden years she loved to travel with her girlfriends. So many trips to mention. One memory that stands out is how she successfully navigated through Venice, Italy when caught in the “Aqua Alta” flooding! Linda spent the winter months with Roger in Maui and Palm Springs. She loved the sun and especially saltwater. A cup (pot) of coffee with the sunrise and a glass (bottle) of wine with the sunset was her motto!

Joining the Meadow Springs Country Club, golf and walking kept her busy. Her golf persistence was rewarded when she received the flag after hitting a hole-in-one at MSCC hole 14 on Sept 6, 2017, just before her diagnosis. She walked daily (weather permitting), and her favorite spot was to walk along the mighty Columbia River. Mt. Badger was another trail she frequented. Her last hike up the mountain was just six months ago this past April 2021 all while battling Cancer.

Linda was fortunate to have close relationships with her seven grandchildren. They all adore her and agree she was the ‘best Gram ever ‘. They will definitely treasure the memories they have with this wonderful woman.

Long known for her kindness, patience, and zest for life she was loved by all. Often described ‘as beautiful on the inside as on the outside’. Linda was fascinated with full moons and the ocean tides.  So next time you see a full moon think of her and tell someone you love them & kiss them. Something Linda was able to do until her very last breathe. Toward the end Roger leaned over to kiss her and said “Good, you are still able to kiss”. She looked into his eyes and said with a labored soft voice “I will never forget how to kiss you”. Life is too short. Although she lived a wonderful life, she was the youngest 78-year-old you will encounter. Nothing lasts but nothing is lost if we remember.  In the end we all become stories.  Her legacy will live on…

Linda is survived by her spouse, Roger I. Hastings of Richland WA: her son Ned R. Hastings of Kennewick WA: her daughters, Holly L. Wilson (Marty) of Las Vegas NV: and Piper B. Mercer (Willis) of Richland WA.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Blake Wilson of Austin TX;  Rhett Levin of Las Vegas NV; Natalie Wilson of Las Vegas NV;  Coley Levin of Reno NV;  Jantz Levin of Pittsburgh PA;  April Mercer of Seattle WA; and Mallory Mercer of Richland WA.  Her brother Curt Cheney (Pam) of Shady Cove OR: sisters Arlie Hari (Earl) of Elma WA; and Connie Wilson (Duane) of Shelton WA. She was preceded in death by her parents Arn Cheney (1968) and LaDonna (O’Neil) Cheney (2017).

The family invites you to join in her life celebration by meeting us at Events at Sunset, in Richland WA on Wed, Nov 3, 2021, at 1pm. After, everyone is invited to her reception at Meadow Springs Country Club where we will eat, drink, and continue to share memories.

A private Graveside ceremony will take place on the following day at 1pm at City View Cemetery in Pasco, WA.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Chaplaincy Hospice Care, 1480 Fowler St.  Richland WA  99352.