Ellen Rose Hastings was born July 16, 1924 on the family farm north of Hay Springs, Nebraska. She was the first child of Anton and Lillian Rose (Novotny) Vybiral. Ellen was the oldest of four girls. She often mentioned that her daddy would say, “Well Lil, where the girls are the boys soon will be.” Ellen started to school speaking only Bohemian and therefore needed a translator until she learned English. She went on to graduate from Hay Springs High School in 1942, then on to study a short time at Chadron State College. Ellen mentioned that she always felt so cosmopolitan waiting for the train to take her to back Chadron when she came home to visit. 

 

Ellen married Glenn Brotherson in October 1945. They lived on the farm where Ellen grew up north of Hay Springs. To this union a daughter Betty Lou Brotherson was born May 8, 1948. For many years Ellen worked as a dental lab technician for Dr. DeCastro. When Glenn and Ellen separated, Ellen and Betty moved back into town. 

 

On March 10, 1967 Ellen married William Hastings. Bill and Ellen made a life together at their home on Main Street in Hay Springs. They enjoyed their pets, their families and friends, and their coffee group.

 

Ellen was an avid reader and a talented artist. She drew the playbills for the Mariner’s Club productions and through her renderings the Walgreen Lake Monster “came to life.”   Woodland critters and the outdoors often captured Ellen’s attention. She was truly fascinated by nature and all its splendor.