Rincon – Theresa Dianne Hildebrandt, 75, passed away February 18, 2025 at her home.

Theresa was born in Screven County.  She moved to St. Louis, Missouri when she was in the 10th grade.  She graduated from Valley Park High School, where she met the love of her life, Roy "Punky" Hildebrandt.  They were married in 1968.  In 1972, they welcomed their first child, David.  Later that year, they purchased a farm in Shawnee and moved back to Georgia.  In 1976, Roy and Theresa were surprised by the arrival of not one, but two baby boys, Chuck and Benji.  In 1978, Connie Marie was born and completed their family.  Theresa was a teacher for 23 years and spent most of her teaching career at South Effingham and Marlow Elementary.  She retired in 2010 after Roy's passing.

Theresa was a loving wife and was adored by her "Punky".  She doted on her children and her heart was shattered in 1995 when she lost her beloved Connie Marie.  She loved her children dearly, but in her later years, the joy of her life was her grandchildren.  She played endless games of Skipbo and was up for a tea party, movie, or sleepover any time her grandchildren asked; nothing was too much when it came to them.

Theresa will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her, but especially by her family, who surrounded and cared for her in the last months as she courageously battled pancreatic cancer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Hildebrandt; daughter, Connie Hildebrandt; mother, Lois Ardle; father, Frank Altman; and brothers, Von Altman & Ellis Altman.

She is survived by her sons, David Hildebrandt (Lisa), Chuck Hildebrandt (Rana), and Benji Hildebrandt (Nicole); grandchildren, Haylee White, Jackson White, Landyn Hildebrandt, Molly Hildebrandt, Charlee Hildebrandt, Bailee Hildebrandt, and Brock Hildebrandt; sisters, Fran Ritzert (Terry), Barbara Kennedy, Patricia Sullenger, and Carol Bauner; brother-in-law, Bob Hildebrandt (Linda); sister-in-law, Marilyn Tinnin; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 10:30 am – 12 noon Saturday, February 22, 2025 in the funeral home.

Funeral: 12 Noon Saturday, February 22, 2025 in the funeral home chapel.

Interment: Springfield Cemetery Annex

Remembrances may be given to Catie's Fund, CURE Childhood Cancer.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel, (912) 754-6421.