Elsaleah Magnuson

Former Hastings resident, Elsaleah Doris Magnuson went home to be with her Lord on May 24, 2014 at Methodist West Houston Hospital, Houston, Texas after succumbing to complications from a fall.

Services will be Saturday, May 31, 2014; 10:30 A.M. at Butler Volland Chapel, Hastings with Rev. Dr. William Nottage-Tacey officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. Visitation will be one hour prior to service on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1604 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77005.

Born Elsaleah Doris Smith in Kansas City, Missouri on February 8, 1925, she married on October 10, 1947, and followed her husband to his home town in Nebraska. As she tells it, Hastings brought not only the warmth of a loving family, but a host of good friends and memorable experiences. "Lee" Magnuson was preceded in death by her husband, Verne Duane Magnuson, after 50 years of marriage. During her time in Hastings, she took great satisfaction in helping others, and had volunteered as a 4-H leader both before and after her children left the nest. She had been an active member of Eastern Star Acacia Chapter #39. Her passion was art, and she left behind many finished canvasses and ceramic pieces for her descendants to treasure and display. One of her greatest experiences was traveling to over 30 different countries with her family, and those trips were always cherished. Multiple falls forced her removal to Katy, Texas to be near her children. Memories of her friends in Hastings remained with her, however, and her family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to them for being a part of her life. She made an impact on her retirement home as well. Residents of her assisted living facility called her the "diva," perhaps due to her sense of style in her manner of dress and being a lady in every way. One year, she was even crowned Valentine Queen by the residents of the facility. She will be missed.

Elsaleah was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Elsie Smith; husband, Verne Duane Magnuson.

Survivors include:
Sister:
Karoline Aguillard - Lawrenceville, GA
Daughter & Son in Law:
Debra Lee & Michael Hrncir
Son:
David Magnuson
Granddaughters:
Megan Pittenger
Margot Hrncir
Grandson:
Marc Magnuson
Great-Grandchildren:
Reese Pittenger
Reid Pittenger
Reagan Pittenger - all of Katy, Texas