Florence Bastow

Florence (Duda) Bastow, age 93, passed away on Monday, May 23rd, at Wyoming Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Florence was born February 16, 1923, on the Family Homestead in Ord, NE to Peter J. and Victoria J. (Gregoroski) Duda. She was third of nine children. Florence received her education in Ord, NE in a one room school house. Later graduating from Ord High School in 1941. She furthered her education at Casper College. Florence, was a born and raised devout Polish Catholic. She left home right out of high school "to see the world", as she referenced it. She moved to Grand Island, NE to work in a bomb factory. She then moved to Cheyenne, WY to work for United Airlines. In Cheyenne she met her future husband, Raymond H. Bastow. On May 1, 1948, they married in Ord, NE. Ray's job with Mountain Bell brought them to Casper, WY, where they resided permanently. Florence worked in the office at The Bureau of Reclamation. Seven years later they started their family, of which four children were born, Marvin Bastow of Casper, WY/Medellin, Colombia, Ellen (Bastow) Parke (Paul) of Casper, WY, Joan Bastow of Casper, WY/Las Vegas, NV and Dale Bastow (Marlys) of Poway, CA. Florence was a wife and dedicated stay at home mom during the day and a nanny by night. She went to work as a clerk for Walt's Hobby Center. She then went on to work for Natrona County Memorial Hospital in Casper as an Emergency Room Admittance Clerk. Later, she went to work for The Wyoming Girl Scout Office as a patch coordinator/office receptionist for 14 years, until her retirement. Florence was a PTA Mom, a room mother, a school volunteer, a Cub Scout and Camp Fire Assistant, a 4-H Leader, but most of all she was her children's, grandchildren's and great grandchildren's biggest supporter/fan. She and Ray were very involved with the Elks Club until his death. She then remained a widowed member. She was also a member of the Eagles Auxiliary and the YMCA. She was a Charter Member of Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Circle Group. She belonged to St. Anthony's Church in her later years. Florence loved to travel, dance, listen to Big Band and polka music, play cards, go to bingo and casinos, watch baseball, but most of all she loved to be with her family. She loved desserts and was known for her homemade pies. She and Ray were known as the Polka Kings at the Elks Club, in their day. She is survived by her two son's Marvin and Dale (Marlys); two daughters Ellen (Paul) Parke and Joan; Grandchildren Jennifer (Joe) Wistisen, Todd (Ashley) Parke, Brian (Lindsey) Parke, Brit and Grant Bastow, Kindra Vogel/Bielefeld (Marcus); Great Grandchildren Bailee, Brooklyn & Brendolyn Wistisen, Eva, Ruby & Tavin Parke, Isa and Ari Bielefeld; three brothers, James, Raymond and Peter Edward Duda; a sister/best friend Berniece Fiala; her travel and church best friend Dycke Sevcik; many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends Shirley Gras and Bonnie Agress. Preceding her in death was her husband, Raymond; parents, Peter and Victoria Duda; both sets of grandparents; in-laws, Harold and Mabel Bastow; her sister's, Clara Ingebritson, Lorraine Lukesh and Dorothy Sacotte; her brother, John Duda; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws; many aunts and uncles; three nephews and a niece. Bustard's is in charge of funeral arrangements. Friday, June 24, will be a viewing from 4-6 pm at Bustards in Casper, followed by a Rosary at 6 pm. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, June 25 at 1 pm at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Casper. Burial Services will be Monday, June 27 at 1 pm at the Veteran's Cemetery in Evansville, WY. At which time, she will reunite with her husband once again. Memorial contributions can be made to The American Heart Association of Casper or to the donor's choice.

Service

Saturday, June 25, 2016 1:00pm

St. Anthony's Catholic Church

7th and Center

Casper, Wyoming 82601

Visitation

Friday, June 24, 2016 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Bustard's Funeral Home

600 CY Avenue

Casper, Wyoming 82601

Visitation

Friday, June 24, 2016 6:00pm

Bustard's Funeral Home

600 CY Avenue

Casper, Wyoming 82601