Irene Hegar

Irene (Merenda) Hegar, age 87, of Waco, was welcomed by God Tuesday afternoon, July 19. 2016 at Royal Manor in Hewitt. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Central Presbyterian Church in Woodway, with Rev. David Rodgers officiating. Private Interment will follow at West Brethren Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the church. Irene was born August 7, 1928 in West, the daughter of Tom and Pauline (Aimer) Merenda. She attended schools in West and was a 1946 graduate of West High School. On December 30, 1948 she was united in marriage to Marvin W. Hegar Sr. in West. Marvin preceded her in death on December 18, 1998. She was very proud to earn her Licensed Vocational Nursing Certification from MCC. She worked as Activities Director at St. Regis for several years. Irene worked for Cox's Department Store and was a 20 year interviewer for Caritas. She was a member of the Central Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, where she served as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher and helped with Vacation Bible School. She was also a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the Texas T's. Irene enjoyed gardening, traveling with her sisters and being a Cub Scout Den Mother. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Irene is also preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Wilfred Merenda, Ed Merenda and Jerry Merenda. Survivors include her sons, Marvin W. Hegar Jr and wife Eileen of Austin and David Hegar and wife Gail of Waco; brothers, Herb Merenda and wife Cheryl and Ray Merenda; sisters, Mary Ann Koerner and Dottie Smith; grandchildren, Kylynne Anderson and husband Troy, Christi Palmer and husband Darrel, Diane Helms, Rev. Marvin Hegar III and wife Sarah, Ben Draper and wife Aleah and Deanne Estepp and husband Michael; great grandchildren, Katie, T.J., Tyler, Bryan, LeAnn, Boyd, Grayson, Hudson, Barrett, Barton and Kara; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Grandchildren, Denise Turnage and husband Kenneth, and Laurie Hamilton and husband David; great grandchildren, Cade, Easton, Cooper, Stephanie, Amber, Alyssa, Logan, River, Storm and Zaden. Pallbearers are Katie Anderson, Tyler Palmer, Bryan Palmer and T.J. Anderson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Central Presbyterian Church or to the charity of your choice. Special thanks to Stillwell, Royal Manor and Theresa Bennett for love and care.