Amanda Hicks Kasch Knispel of San Marcos, beloved and cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2008, at the age of 99. She was born in Elgin on Sept. 8, 1908, to Ed and Mary Elizabeth Hicks.

Amanda (Billie) was raised in Elgin and graduated from Tyler Business College. She worked briefly in Elgin and Houston before she married Milton Kasch and moved to San Marcos in 1929.

They were associated with the Kasch Cotton Breeding Farms. In 1950 she married Robert Knispel. She and Robert were very active in the dairy and farming business on Lime Kiln Road.

During the 79 years that she lived in San Marcos, she was always active in civic, social and church activities.

She was a member of the Fidelis Sunday School Class at the First Baptist Church, and was formerly active in the Garden Club, Sorosis Club and Historical Society.

She was a charter member at Quail Creek Country Club, and played bridge in several bridge clubs.

Most recently, she enjoyed playing the piano for a group of singers at Redwood Springs. She took great pleasure in sharing her musical talent at the neighboring nursing homes and at Price Seniors Center.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers and sisters: James Hicks, Sneed Hicks, Roy Hicks, Taylor Hicks, Cora King, Lena Pfeiffer, Mamie Whiteside and Bessie Davis.

She is also preceded in death by Milton Kasch and their son, Milton Edward Kasch, and Robert Knispel.

She is survived by her daughter, Bettie Ann Kasch Hanse and husband, Hank of Sugar Land; her son, Jimmy Kasch and wife, Kris of Bulverde; her daughter-in-law, Julia Kasch of Borger; and by her nine grandchildren and their families, Bob and Patty Kasch and children, Katey and Kirstie; Steve and Chrystal Kasch and children, Collin and Courtney; Mark (Kasch) and Debbie Hanse and children, Kody and Kyle; Lee and Libby Hanse and children, Luke, Lance, and Logan; Patrick and Kelly Hanse and children, Ryan, Amanda, and Zachary; James and Suzanne Hanse and children, A.J. and Julie; David and Rachel Hanse and children, Elyse and Sam; Lisa and Joe Diana and children, Matthew and Sophia; and Shelly and David Mansfield and children, Ben, Sara, Max and Tess.

Family received friends at Pennington Funeral Home on Friday. Celebration of Life services were conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3 in the Pennington Memorial Chapel, with the Rev. Mark Newton and Dr. Jack Byrom officiating. Interment followed in the San Marcos Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity of one's choice.

Arrangements under the care and guidance of Pennington Funeral Home, 323 North Comanche, San Marcos, 353-4311.