Anne Theresa Ashbeck, 77, passed away unexpectedly on June 24, 2023. She was surrounded by her family.  Anne was born October 12, 1945, to Nicholas and Eudora Dirkx of Gleason, Wisconsin. After graduating from Merrill Senior High School, she became a respiratory therapist and worked throughout her career at Merrill and Wausau Hospitals. While working at Merrill Hospital, she met her husband, Norbert “Nubs” Ashbeck, and they married on April 19, 1969.  Together they had three children: Paula (Eric) Doty, Chad (Jenny) Ashbeck, and Renee (Chad) Krueger and resided the remainder of her life in Merrill, Wisconsin.  Anne was devoted to her family and loved spending as much time as possible with her children and grandchildren: Kira (23), Carson (22), Camden (18), Kendall (20), and Charlee (11). She could be found attending all of the sporting events, concerts, shows, and graduations of her children and grandchildren throughout their lives. She also valued several lifelong friendships and had a special bond with neighbors Cory and Nancy McCorkle and their children Caleb (21) and Connor (17). For the past 25 years, Anne enjoyed traveling around the country with friends Herm and JoAnne Zunker, sewing, knitting, and reading. She was an avid lover of nature and music and had a passion for eagles, tracking baby eagles from Norfolk, Virginia through the internet. She also enjoyed watching the many birds who visited her flower beds, especially hummingbirds and cardinals.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Daniel and Thomas Dirkx. She is survived by all of her children, grandchildren, and siblings Nicholas Dirkx, Peter (Bonnie) Dirkx, Patience Dirkx, Mary (Al) Justice, Casey (Sue) Dirkx, John (Rose) Dirkx, and Timothy (Gail) Dirkx. 

Her family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Merrill Fire Department, Merrill Police Department, Wausau Aspirus Hospital, and University Hospital in Madison for the excellent care she received during her last days with us.  Her family will be forever grateful to the family members and friends who were able to be with them in person or spirit, as well as for all of the thoughts and prayers they received. Sometimes irreverent, sometimes feisty, sometimes mischievous, but always fiercely protective, thoughtful, and loving, Anne with an “e” will be dearly missed.

A private celebration of life will be held in Merrill in the fall, her favorite time of year.  Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.