Irene E. Hilligoss, 98, of Gifford formerly of Buckley, passed away at 8:56 a.m. Saturday, November 5, 2022, at County Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 13, 2022, at St. John's Lutheran Church Buckley followed by burial in Woodland Cemetery, Buckley.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon Sunday at the church.  Baier Family Funeral Services, Buckley is handling arrangements.

Irene was born October 17, 1924, in Buckley the daughter of Arthur and Frieda Kuester Blanck.  She married Richard Lowell Hilligoss June 6, 1948, at St. Johns' Lutheran Church, Buckley.  He preceded her in death October 7, 2001.

She is survived by two sons, Michael (Rita) Hilligoss of Buckley, Ronnie (Barb) Hilligoss of rural Paxton; one daughter Nancy Perkinson of Phoenix, Arizona; five grandchildren Stacey Posey, Eric (Samantha) Perkinson, Drue Hilligoss, Kasey (Chris) Kanosky, Zachary (Jake Ruder) Hilligoss; 11 great grandchildren and one sister Jean Boyer of Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one sister, Alice Vest.

Irene graduated from Buckley High School in 1942.  During World War II, 1942-48, she worked at the Elwood Ammunition Plant, Wilmington then worked at Bag Service of Paxton and Bear Brand Hosiery until 1950 and from 1974-94 was employed by Hi Grade Egg Producers, Loda.

She was a life-long member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Buckley where she had been baptized in 1924 and confirmed in 1938.  She had been a member of St. John's Ladies Aid and the church choir.  She had also been a member of the Buckley Widow's Club, Buckley Senior Citizens, Buckley Legion Auxiliary and card clubs.

Irene enjoyed canning, gardening, flowers and playing cards.  Her greatest joy was spending time with her family especially grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, St. John's Lutheran School Tuition Fund, or Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.  Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.