Anastasia Ashlock

Anastasia Kathryn (Kate) Baird Ashlock was born April 11, 1974 in Alton, Illinois. After fighting a long battle with health issues, she passed peacefully into eternity on September 13, 2024 at Christian Northeast Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri surrounded by her family. She is survived by her life partner Daniel Whorl, her children Brandon Wallace, Jacob Wallace (Faith), Aaron Ashlock (Kaitlyn), all of Alton, Elaina Ashlock and her fiance, Dakota Giles of Decatur, Illinois. Kate is also survived by three precious grandsons: Braylon and Greyson Ashlock, and Kysen Lewis. Other family members include her parents Richard Baird and Theresa O’Connor, her siblings Robert Baird (Jennifer), Christina Philbrook (Caleb), Curtis Baird, and sister-in-law Cynthia Whorl. She leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Hattie and Bob O’Connor, paternal grandparents Harold and Faye Baird, and aunts and uncles Jim Geller, Phyllis and Bill Harrell, Steve Steuber, Bev and Ed Stutz, and sister-in-law Laura Whorl. 

Kate served as office manager at The Pasta House Co. in Alton and Edwardsville for almost twenty years. She was an avid reader and enjoyed attending concerts with her family and friends. Her love for animals of all kinds: giraffes, raccoons, skunks, and especially cats, was a passion. Kate rescued many and would never neglect a stray. During the holidays, the family would make fudge in a variety of flavors to sell with proceeds going to 5 A’s animal shelter and other local organizations.

Kate’s baking skills were second to none. Desserts, such as cakes, cookies, and pies, were her specialties. She loved streaming shows and playing games with her family. Traveling brought great joy: from her favorite, Caspersen Beach in Florida, to Lake Michigan and Lake of the Ozarks, to the Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas.

St. Matthew Church in Alton was her place of Baptism with godparents Connie and Bill Bollini. She received First Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist in St. Louis at the New Cathedral. David Schlit, her French teacher, was Kate’s Confirmation sponsor at St. Mary’s in Alton. Father Steven Janoski of St. Ambrose administered the Anointing of the Sick and Last Rites.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 AM on Thursday, October 10, 2024 in the St. Ambrose Community Center (820 Homer Adams Parkway Godfrey, Illinois). A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM in the church. Memorials may be made to 5A’s animal shelter, Partners for Pets, or St. Ambrose Church.