Obituary: Judith Ann (Schlegelmilch) Hastings

Judith Ann (Schlegelmilch) Hastings, 80, of Youngstown, left this earth peacefully on Aug. 27, 2023.

Judy was born Sept. 4, 1942, to Gilbert and Ann (Lenzen) Schlegelmilch in Shakopee, Minnesota. She was valedictorian of her class at Crosby-Ironton High School in 1960 and received her bachelor’s degree in education from Valparaiso University in 1964. She married Richard A. Hastings the same year, and the couple moved to California, where Judy earned her master’s degree in early childhood development at UC Berkeley in 1967.

Judy and Richard had two children, Michelle and Alan. In 1976, the family relocated to Saudi Arabia with Aramco, where Judy taught kindergarten for Aramco Schools, and English as a Second Language, and led her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. An enthusiastic traveler, Judy loved exploring the world with her family.

After moving to Youngstown, Judy taught kindergarten, then fifth grade, at Colonial Village Elementary in Niagara Falls for 20 years. She was a regular substitute at the Stella Niagara school in Youngstown after retiring, and was always pleased to run into former students around town. Judy was a voracious reader, a regular at Riverview Fitness, Silver Sneakers classes, and loved savoring a salmon burger at the Silo Restaurant in Lewiston. Her grandsons were her pride and joy. 

Judy is survived by her husband, Richard Hastings, of Youngstown; children: Michelle (Dan) Hannon of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and Alan (Valerie) Hastings of Youngstown and Aix-en-Provence, France; grandchildren: Axel Hastings of Barcelona, Spain; and Theo Hastings of Warwick, U.K.; a brother, John (Renee) Schlegelmilch of Plymouth, Minnesota; and nieces Sara and Erin.

At Judy's wish, there will be no memorial service; she will be cremated and her ashes spread across lavender fields in France. Donations in her memory may be made to the Stella Niagara school at http://stella-niagara.com/support-snep/.

Arrangements entrusted to Hardison Funeral Homes Inc. Lewiston. Please visit www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com.