Marcia Gaskill

Marcia Gaskill, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, surrounded by her cherished family after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Born on November 12, 1936, in Knoxville, Illinois, Marcia was the daughter of Ernest and Frances (McIlravy) Smith. Her life was a testament to the love and dedication she held for her family and community. Marcia graduated from Knoxville High School in 1954, embarking on a life filled with warmth, kindness, and resilience. She worked diligently at Maytag, where she formed lasting friendships until her retirement in 1997. Her colleagues remember her as a dedicated and compassionate soul, always ready to lend a helping hand. A woman with a wide array of interests, Marcia found joy in the pages of mystery and true crime novels. Her love for reading was only matched by her green thumb, which she used to nurture her beautiful garden. Marcia's affection for animals was evident to all who knew her, and it was a passion she maintained throughout her life. Marcia was fiercely loyal and protective of her family, always putting their needs before her own. Her husband, James Gaskill, whom she shared 50 wonderful years with, survives her. Together, they created a loving home that was a haven for their children and grandchildren. She is deeply missed by her daughter Kim (Steve) Spence and her grandchildren, Brandi (Nate Conard) Spence and Patrick Spence. Her great-granddaughter, Alaina Spence, brought her immense joy and filled her days with laughter. Marcia was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Shirley (Smith) Long and Joyce (Smith) Swigart, and her sons Bradley and Rusty Barton. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Marigold Memory Care and Compassus Hospice Care for their compassionate and attentive care of Marcia during her final days. In honor of her love for animals, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Western Illinois animal rescue in Marcia's memory. Marcia Gaskill's legacy will continue to live on through the love she shared with her family and friends. She will be remembered as a beacon of strength and love, a woman who touched the lives of all who had the privilege to know her.