Shirley J. Asencio

Shirley J. Asencio, 74, of Galesburg, died at 10:10 p.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2016, in OSF St. Mary Medical Center.

She was born August 16, 1941 in Galesburg, the daughter of Victor N. and Selma P. (McLaughlin) Links.  She married Ramon C. Asencio on April 6, 1968 in Abingdon.  He preceded her in death on December 7, 1991.

She is survived by 11 children, Marie Brown, David Asencio, Debbie (and Gordon) Still-Smith, Michael Asencio, Paul (and Rhonda) Asencio, Vicki Clark, Kaye (and Eldon) Cripps, Mark Asencio, Beth (and Cleatis) Sholl, Diana (and Robert) Furlan, and Tony Asencio; 32 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren with one on the way; three great-great grandchildren; and two brothers, Bob Links and Donnie (and Bev) Links.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Jerry and Chris Asencio; a great granddaughter, Sophia Asencio-Porter; and a brother, Victor Links Jr.

Shirley worked in nursing for over 40 years before retiring.  She was at the Galesburg Mental Health Center for 20 years and at OSF St. Mary Medical Center for over 20 years.  She graduated from Abingdon High School in 1959, received her LPN through the Manpower Program, and earned her RN at Carl Sandburg College.  Shirley had a life-long love of nursing.  She also enjoyed gardening and watching the squirrels and cardinals in her yard.  Family was very important to Shirley and she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel.  Funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Jim Ecklund officiating.  Burial will be in Abingdon Cemetery.  Memorial contributions in Shirley’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.