Nikki

Nickie Ann Hastings Lucas “Nikki,” age 56, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away on May 19, 2025, after a sudden and aggressive battle with cancer. She passed peacefully with her husband by her side.

Born on May 15, 1969, in Kennett, Missouri, Nikki was the daughter of Fred E. “Nick” Hastings and Barbara Ann Parker Hastings. She was married to Nathan Lucas, with whom she shared a life filled with love and laughter. Nikki and Nathan lived in California and Tennessee before settling in Oro Valley, Arizona, a place she loved for its breathtaking sunsets. It became their home, shared with their two cats, Lemmy and Lily.

Nikki never met a stranger she couldn’t talk to. She had a gift for connection and a way of making people feel heard. She was sharp, funny, fiercely loyal, and full of heart. She found joy in the little things, including holiday decorations, a well-timed joke, a loud concert, a ghost hunt, and the color purple, especially purple roses.

Nikki devoted nearly 30 years to supporting others through her work in healthcare and insurance. She worked as an insurance claims adjuster, surgical scheduler, and account manager, approaching every role with care, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose. Nikki’s work reflected the same grit and compassion she brought to everything she did. The impact she made lives on in those she supported and the communities she cared for so deeply.

Nikki is survived by her husband, Nathan Lucas; her brother, Steve Perkins (Diana); her sister, Debbie Stierli (Devin); her aunt, Cheryl Hastings Tanno; her stepchildren, Alora, Ashlee, Sara, Samuel, and Tyler; several nieces and nephews; and many other loved ones who will carry her memory forward.

She was preceded in death by her father, Fred E. “Nick” Hastings; her mother, Barbara Ann Parker Hastings; her brother, Rickie Perkins; and her sister, Vickie Perkins Espinoza.

Nikki believed in showing up for others and wanted to leave behind a reminder to show up for yourself, too. Her final wish was to encourage people to prioritize their health and not delay care. She hoped her experience would serve as a reminder to trust your instincts and seek answers early, even when things seem uncertain. It was her wish that by sharing her story, someone else might seek help earlier and gain the precious gift of more time.

In keeping with Nikki’s wishes, there will be no public service. Her loved ones encourage those who knew her to honor her in their own way, whether by reaching out to someone you’ve lost touch with, scheduling that overdue checkup, or simply remembering her with love. Nathan plans to hold a celebration of Nikki’s life at a later date and will share more details once they are confirmed.

Those who wish to share a memory, photo, or message are invited to visit her memorial page, where stories and tributes can be posted in her honor.