Mildred Speake

Hastings resident Mildred L. “Lucy” Speake, 87, passed away at her home peacefully, surrounded by those that loved her. Lucy was a fighter and survived many challenges the past 16 years. She was truly an inspiration on how to live life and make memories for her loved ones to cherish. Those memories will forever be safe in our hearts along with her Love.

Memorial Service is 11:00am, Friday, January 30, 2026, at DeWitt Funeral Home, 604 S Burlington with Pastor Andy Springer officiating. A luncheon will follow. Lucy’s wishes were to be cremated so there will be no viewing and she will be laid to rest in the columbarium at Parkview Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Start Over Rover.

Lucy was born March 5, 1938, in Deweese, Nebraska to Longin and Agnes (Svobida) Aksamit. She attended Star Country School near Nelson, Nebraska through the 8th grade and Graduated from Nelson High School in 1955. Lucy married Larry Lambie on July 29, 1956, and two daughters were blessed by this union, Monica and Kim, they later divorced. She married James “Jim” Speake on April 4, 1983, they shared their lives for 42 years calling Hastings home.

Lucy worked as a private housekeeper for many years while her daughters were in school. Later in life she worked at Midlands Lodge taking care of laundry and Leverage Tools until they closed. Lucy found her perfect job as a housekeeper at Mary Lanning Hospital for 23 years until she retired. She made many lifelong friendships there. She treasured talking and spending time with best friends Nancy and Ginny.

Lucy enjoyed spending time outside, whether watching ball games across the street, sitting by the fire pit on a chilly night or just watching and keeping track of all the neighborhood dogs that walked by. She had a passion for Word Search Puzzles and would work on them until her eyes couldn’t take any more. Lucy loved reading her favorite magazines and a good Christmas book. She couldn’t wait for the holidays just for the endless Christmas movies and music, along with baking and making Christmas Candy and her famous Peanut Brittle. Lucy was blessed with one grandson, Tyler, and was so proud of all his accomplishments. She also wasn’t ashamed to admit that Bella, the family dog, was loved and spoiled by her and couldn’t wait for her goodnight kisses.

Lucy is survived by her husband, Jim Speake; daughters, Monica Lyngstad and Kim Lambie; stepdaughter, Ashley Speake; Grandson, Tyler (Casey) Ficken and daughter, Taya; brother, Kenneth (Myra) Aksamit; sister-in-law, Liz Roudybush; and brother-in-law, Richard Speake along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donald Aksamit; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Alfred Andersen; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Nona Speake. Forever in our Hearts