Dates
Emma Lee (Tyler) Hinrichs, age 88, of San Angelo, Texas passed away peacefully at home on March 15, 2026, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born October 14,1937 in Brady, Texas to Joseph Burk and Sallie Faye (Stephens) Tyler. She was a faithful servant of God, who lived out her faith daily through acts of kindness. She found great strength and comfort in her daily prayers and scripture.
Emma was raised on a farm located between Eden and Paint Rock, Texas, known as "Rocky Hill", primarily with her four siblings and father since her mother passed on when Emma was only 11 years old. She met the love of her life, Carl, while attending Paint Rock High School and graduated in 1956. She later attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos for one semester before she and Carl were married on December 21, 1957. From 1958 to 1975, Carl's career in the United States Air Force took their family to several states. During this time, Emma devoted herself to managing their home and raising their family while Carl served as a Navigator and traveled to many countries.
It was important to Emma that her family was nurtured with the Christian Faith; therefore, the family would attend Protestant church services at the military bases where Carl was stationed during his service in the United States Air Force. Emma would volunteer to teach Sunday school classes and Vacation Bible School. After Carl's retirement in 1975, Carl and Emma made their home in San Angelo, Texas and cultivated a relationship with Goodfellow Air Force Base's Protestant Chapel. She was recognized for her dedicated volunteerism, loyal and faithful service in the chapel.
Emma graduated from Angelo State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1980. She taught at Day Elementary School from 1980 to 1993. After Emma's retirement, she became active in the Concho Valley Quilter Guild. She poured her passion for quilting into countless gorgeous quilts. Emma also spent a lifetime of mastering her art as a talented seamstress. Her work was a labor of love, patience, and service, with every stitch representing a memory.
Emma is survived by her husband, Carl Victor Hinrichs; brother, Arnold Tyler (Judy); children, Kelvin Hinrichs (Bridget), Denise Nauman (Mark); Grandchildren, Tyler Hinrichs (Heidi), Bradly Hinrichs (Celeste), Alexis Freeman (Jacob), Brooke Viljoen (Declan); Great-Grandchildren, Colt Hinrichs, Rhylee Hinrichs, Everett Freeman.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Neva Tyler, May (Hubert) Ray; brother, John (Willie) Tyler; sister-in-law, Mary (Lonnie Alton Jr.) Cantrell.
Emma was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and a beloved "Granny" to her grandchildren. Emma will be forever in our hearts and deeply missed by all that knew her.
Public Viewing will be from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, with a funeral celebration of her life at 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel, followed by a reception. The family will have a private burial at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
We are forever grateful for the gentle, dedicated care given by Debbie Williams, who became a true friend to our family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alzheimer's Disease Research.