Irene Otelia Knippa Hilbrich, 94, of Cuero passed away Thursday, March 14, 2019.  She was born August 3, 1924 in Yoakum to the late Gerhard Paul and Elizabeth Dramberger Knippa.  Irene was a retired beautician and rancher, and enjoyed painting, quilting, sewing, writing/playing music, and singing.  She married the love of her life, Edwin Hilbrich on April 30, 1945 in Orange Grove.  Irene was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church - Westhoff and the Westhoff American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.  She was a loving mother, wife, and grandmother and cherished the moments spent with her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Debra Baros (David) of Cuero, Jacque Moore (Bob) of Austin, and Dyne Macha (Mike) of Helotes; grandchildren, Kendrick Baros (Stacy) of La Vernia, Clay Baros (Roberta) of Pretoria, South Africa, Lauren Byram (Brad) of Austin, Chris Moore (Natallia) of Houston, and John Macha (Erica) of Helotes; and great-grandchildren, Maxx Wright, Brayden, Weston, and Augie Baros, and Byron Macha; and sister-in-law, Irene Mueller of Cuero.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, sisters, Geneva Ward, Sadie Dreyer, Lenora Brown, and Frances Tasler; and brothers, Karl, Emanuel, Daniel, and Lawrence Knippa.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 16, 2019, 5-7 p.m., at Freund Funeral Home.  Services will be Sunday, March 17, 2019, 3 p.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church in Westhoff with Pastor William A. Hill officiating.  Interment will follow at Westhoff Cemetery.

Pallbearers include David Baros, Kendrick Baros, Clay Baros, Chris Moore, Maxx Wright, and John Macha.  Honorary pallbearers include Bob Moore, Mike Macha, Lauren and Brad Byram, Brayden Baros, Weston Baros, Augie Baros, and Byron Macha.

Memorial contributions may be made to Westhoff American Legion Building Fund, PO Box 32, Westhoff, Texas 77994 or St. John's Lutheran Church-Westhoff.

Special Thanks go to Kathy Lassman, her faithful caregiver for the last three years as well as staff and members at Alzcare of Cuero and Hospice of South Texas.  Thank you to Cheryl Bunjes who sang "The Old Rugged Cross" to her as she was ushered into the heavenly gates on March 14.  May God bless all of you.