Gloria Jean (Hastings) Elrod

Gloria Jean (Hastings) Elrod, passed away at her home on Sunday December 7, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on November 18, 1945, in LaGrange, Georgia, to parents Richard "Dick" and Jacqueline "Peggy" Hastings.

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother has stepped into the presence of her Savior, leaving behind a legacy defined by love, sacrifice, joy, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her life’s greatest pride and deepest purpose were her boys. She loved them more than herself, a truth evident in every sacrifice, every late-night conversation, every game she attended, every tear she wiped, and every prayer she whispered.

Recently she shared these words in a text—words that capture her heart as clearly as any tribute could:

“It feels like GOD had a plan in which He made all good things possible for the most blessed life I could have ever asked for. Starting on Oct. 25, 1964. From that point on I have been blessed with a family that completely transformed my life and happiness.”

She made it her mission to give her boys the best childhood possible—one overflowing with love, adventure, and security. She was a stay-at-home mom and a devoted wife, pouring herself fully into her family until her boys reached high school. Then, with her characteristic determination, she returned to school and became a travel agent—an accomplishment she treasured. She delighted in the opportunities it brought, from flights and cruises to her memorable trip to Paris.

Her grandchildren were the sunshine of her soul. She stayed constantly in the loop of their lives, celebrating their accomplishments, offering encouragement and advice—sometimes welcomed, sometimes not, but always rooted in abundant love and seasoned with wisdom. Her great-grandchildren added a new chapter of joy; every picture and video that arrived on her phone was viewed and re-viewed countless times.

Over the years, her love for Jesus grew into something steadfast, sincere, and inspiring. Her faith became her anchor and her comfort, and it shaped the way she loved, forgave, and lived.

She leaves behind a family forever shaped by her strength, her tenderness, and her example. Though her absence leaves an ache words cannot measure, her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped—her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all blessed to know her.

We honor her not with sorrow alone, but with gratitude for the beautiful, generous, joy-filled life she lived… and for the love she showed that continues to bear fruit in all of us.

Gloria Jean Hastings was united in marriage to Marvin Lee Elrod at the Thayer Christian Church on October 25, 1964.

Gloria is survived by her devoted husband, Marvin, of Thayer, Kansas. She leaves behind her children, Jeffrey Lee (Cheryl) Elrod of Augusta, Kansas; Michael Dale (Laurie) Elrod of Coffeyville, Kansas; and Steven Lynn (Sharon) Elrod of Braceville, Illinois. Her memory will be cherished by her siblings, Richard Dale (Becky) Hastings of Chanute, Kansas, and Viola Gale Hastings of Iola, Kansas. Gloria’s legacy lives on in her grandchildren, Trevan (Molly) Lusby, Ethan (Sydney) Elrod, Logan (Elizabeth) Elrod, McKinna (Trevor) Elrod Jackson, Carrie (Cole) Elrod Traxson, Micah (Brinkley) Elrod, Andrew Elrod, Jeremiah Elrod, Cody (Maddy) Elrod, and Gavin (Alexis) Elrod. She was also a proud great-grandmother, leaving behind Owen Lusby, Norah Lusby, Tinsley Elrod, Holden Jackson, Graham Jackson, Mesa Traxson, Silas Traxson, Thomas Elrod, and baby sister Elrod due in May 2026.

A visitation will be held on Friday December 12, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wickham Family Funeral Home in Chanute, Kansas. Friends and family are invited to come and pay their respects as they celebrate the life and legacy of a remarkable woman who touched the hearts of so many.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 N. Forest, Chanute, Kansas 66720.

Memorial remembrances are suggested to the Westside Christian Church of Coffeyville Kansas and may be mailed or left at the funeral home.