Lillie Askew

PLEASE NOTE...PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. A PRIVATE INTERMENT WILL BE AT A LATER DATE IN THE TAYLOR CEMETERY, NORTH OF VIENNA. Lillie Askew 92, of Bartonville, Illinois previously of Marion, Illinois passed away Sunday, December 27, 2015 at 5:38 p.m. at St. Josephs West Hospital, Lake St. Louis Missouri surrounded by her loving family and listening to the 1968 World Series. Her passing was a bit of a shock to all who knew her as she had told everyone she was going to be knocked in the head at Judgement Day. She was saved and of Baptist Faith. She was born September 26, 1923 to Clarence and Eva (Martin) Burke, who preceded her in death. In the last few years of her life, she had to routinely receive blood and iron transfusions. Each time the nurse would ask her name and date of birth, which she proudly told them. However, one day she apparently got tired of telling them. So when they asked she said, “You know youins ask me my name and my birthday every time I come here. And I have yet to see a birthday present! Not the wrappings of my finger did I get from you girls. Yet every time I come in here you ask me the same thing!” Of course she had all the “girls” and her many doctors charmed and entertained at each visit. She loved all of those who “treated her like a queen to help her live ‘til Judgement Day.” Hard work was not a stranger to Lillie. Her husband, Delbert Askew was in a logging accident and was paralyzed from the waist down in 1962 while she was pregnant with her last child. She dedicated her life to caring for him at home as well as her children. In addition, she took in ironing to supplement the family’s income. In 1968, her husband passed away. She stepped up to the challenge, caring for her children, doing ironings at home and then she finally began working for the Harry L. Crisp family in their home in various capacities. The Crisp family became her second family. She loved each of them with all her heart. She retired in 1986. However, she kept in contact with them throughout her life. After retirement she decided to move to Bartonville to live with her oldest daughter Mary Ruth. She enjoyed her time there as an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She loved cooking for Bingo on Sunday and getting to know the many ladies in the Auxiliary. Her passion was the St. Louis Cardinals. A lifelong fan of the Cardinals. Back when they were on the radio she listened to each game and wrote down all the plays. Then when her husband came home from his work she went over the game with him. She never missed a game. She cussed like a sailor when they made a mistake or heaven forbid lost to the Cubs! She said she couldn’t wait to talk to Stan the Man when she got up there and watch the games from the skybox with him! She also enjoyed making many beautiful hand embroidered quilts for her family and her grandbabies. She loved to visit with her other children. Coming to stay with each of them and loving on their children. In her later years she came to visit her youngest daughter Lori in O’Fallon, Missouri. She made sure we knew her room and her “things” were in her room at Mary Ruth’s home. Going back to check on them just to make sure! She is survived by her children. Mary Ruth (Bob) Zimbelman, Bartonville, Illinois. Debbie (Jim) Shipley, Villa Ridge, Illinois. Mitchell (Georganne) Askew, Houston, Texas. Jimmy (Patsy) Askew, Marion, Illinois. Lori (Scott) Allen, O’Fallon, Missouri. Many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and Great Great Grandchildren. To which she said made her a really “Great Grandma” which was certainly true! She adored her many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her many siblings, Cletus, Charlie, Buddy, Mary, Nellie, Doody, and Lorene. She was looking forward to being with her Mommy and family and all the friends who passed before her. As she said many times, I know more people dead and in heaven than alive here on earth! Bailey Funeral Home, Vienna, Illinois has been entrusted with the services. The family has decided to have a private interment at a later date. Memorials may be made to Cardinals Care, 700 Clark Street, St. Louis, MO 63102 or ASPCA, PO Box 96929, Washington, D.C. 20090-6929. She asked that if at all possible, folks wear their cardinal red. While Cub fans are welcomed, but pitied, anyone with a cub shirt or hat will have to stand outside the tent and freeze!

Lillie Askew

September 26, 1923 - December 27, 2015