Buffalo Mills, PA – Nellie Irene “Rene” Hillegass, 76, of Bard Hollow, went to be with the Lord Sunday March 15, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family.

 Born June 3, 1938, in Hyndman; she was a daughter of the late James Roland and Nellie Ilene (Willison) Shaffer. She was also preceded in death by sisters, Jeanne Lohr, Mary Jane Elder, and Norma ‘Joanne’ Gaumer; brothers, Donald “Jack”, Glenn “Mick”, Ray “Ted” and Wendell “Pete” Shaffer; son-in-law, Jason Knopsnyder, and a grandson, Shaston Wayne Hillegass.

 She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Wayne M. Hillegass, whom she married November 25, 1967; a son, Randy DeWayne Hillegass and wife Barbara (Fair) of Manns Choice, daughters, Lynn Irene Knopsnyder of Garrett,  Kelly Ann Hillegass of Buffalo Mills,  three grandchildren, Mandy Mostoller and husband Steve, Damon Knopsnyder and wife Adrienne, and Zachary Knopsnyder; great grandchildren, Emma, Isaac, Alexis, Joelle, Katelyn, Jason, Clara and Charlee; a brother, James Shaffer of Hyndman; and brother-in-law, Robert Lohr of Buffalo Mills; many nieces and nephews.

 Irene worked at Deist Pharmacy, Horner’s Market and Conner’s Grocery Store and Chief WaHoo in Wolfsburg.  She also babysat Stephen Lafferty, who affectionately called her “Mernie”, and others for many years.  Her children affectionately called her “Muzz”.

 She was a member of the Buffalo Mills United Methodist Church and also attended Hyndman United Methodist Church in Hyndman. She was Past Worthy Matron of Order of Eastern Star Bedford Springs Chapter #41, and Past President of the Oscar Jordan VFW Post 7375 Ladies Auxiliary.  She played the piano, a talent which she passed on to her son Randy.  Irene and Wayne also enjoyed playing BINGO.  Irene looked forward to her annual ladies Christmas luncheon for family and close friends which she planned and prepared for many years.  She will be missed by her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren who she often referred to as her little people.

 Friends will be received at the Harvey H. Zeigler Funeral Home, Inc., 169 Clarence Street, Hyndman on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. O.E.S. service will be conducted at 8pm

 A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Thursday at 11a.m. with Pastor Mark Griffith officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

 Burial will follow at Dry Ridge Cemetery, Manns Choice, PA.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Irene’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011 or on-line at www.alz.org.