By CAPRI BAHR, Student Reporter
Lexi Neile Hastings, daughter of Spencer and Tandie Hastings, sister to Kolt and Blaze Hastings, and friend to so many; passed away over Christmas break on Thursday, December 29th. A graduate of the Oklahoma Christian School and Guthrie resident, Lexi attended NWOSU on a cross country scholarship. Not only was she a NWOSU Cross Country runner, she also participated in Intramural sports and often frequented many clubs and social gatherings on campus. If you knew her, you were probably one of the many who were on the receiving end of her warm hugs and smiles. She made friends quick and easy everywhere she went. It was easy to make a happy memory with Lexi and always hard to forget.
Her Nannie and Pawpaw, Charles and Linda Hastings recall the many times she would call their house phone and say “Hi Nannie! Are Ya’ll home?” in which they would laugh and reply “no Lexi, someone else is answering our house phone.” Lexi would usually go on to say she was bringing a friend by which was code for “we’re hungry and we know Pawpaw keeps chicken and white gravy on stock for times like this.” Lexi’s welcoming character can be seen in these memories are good indicators of her strong family values and her naturally friendly personality.
Clara O’Conner from Edmond, tells the story of their history and friendship. While Clara was deciding on colleges, Coach Clay Tarter United the two girls once again and they became quick best friends before deciding on becoming NWOSU Rangers, both on cross country scholarships, and becoming roommates for their first freshman semester. “Her energy was ever present and she always made you feel like you belonged,” Clara recalls.
Ana Parra, a junior originally from Venezuela who is also a cross country runner, reminisces on her favorite memories with Lexi saying that she was her “go-to person” when she was down and could count on Lexi to make her day; whether it be the road trips while singing in the car or the many hugs and smiles she shared with everyone.
“She was the only one in the suite who had a TV. Lexi always kept it on and her door was usually open,” recalls Alejandria Kasparie, cross country runner and one of Lexi’s suitemates. “Many times she would come home and see one of us on her floor or bed and give us a happy ‘Hi Hi’ before joining and telling us all about her day.” Going on to recollect Lexis positivity and constant generosity, Alejandria said she was “always offering whatever she could in any situation.”
Whether it be surprise visits to her Nannie and Pawpaw, singing in the car, or sitting on her floor watching Disney Channel while catching us up on her daily adventures; Lexi will always be in our memories. Her smiles, warm hugs, and contagious laugh will dearly be missed on campus, and everywhere she was known.