After retiring from public office, Hastings worked in real estate in the Tulsa area.

When Hastings was eight years old, a family member, Leon C. Phillips, ran for governor of Oklahoma.

Hastings was elected Miss Republican, which allowed her the opportunity to ride on top of an elephant down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Hastings' bridge club, Sunday school class, and the Young Republicans made up her large group of volunteers.

The first bill Hastings presented concerned computerizing Supreme Court records, which passed.

Hastings passed the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Bill, which worked to form that agency within the Oklahoma government.

Additionally, Hastings chaired the Housing and Urban Development Committee for the National Council of Legislators.