Dora Elia Asencio

Dora Elia Asencio, 71, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, in Abilene, Texas, surrounded by her siblings and close family friends.

Born in Torreó, Coahuila, Mexico, Dora was the daughter of Arnulfo and Guadalupe Asencio. Her family returned to Merkel, Texas, when she was a young child, where she grew up and graduated from Merkel High School in 1972. She later earned an Associate Degree from Draughon's Business College in Abilene, Texas. Although life eventually brought her back to West Texas, Dora always held a special place in her heart for Austin, a city she loved and proudly called home for many years.

Dora began her career as an administrative professional with Aileen, Inc., where she worked until the company closed in 1976. She later served as an administrative assistant for Walls Industries in Merkel, Texas, where she became known for her dedication, dependability, and strong work ethic. Dora later joined Albertsons, first serving as an Assistant Manager in Abilene before accepting a promotion to Store Manager in Austin, Texas, where she worked for approximately six years until the stores closed. Throughout her career, Dora was admired for her intelligence, professionalism, industrious spirit, and unwavering commitment to doing every job well.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnulfo and Guadalupe Asencio; her brother, Hector Asencio; and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

One of Dora's greatest gifts was the love and care she gave to others. As one of the older siblings, she naturally became a surrogate mother to many of her younger brothers and sisters, as well as to numerous nieces and nephews.

As Brandi fondly recalls, she was Dora's "personal doll"; Dora delighted in dressing her up, paying attention to every detail. One favorite family memory is the year Dora transformed young Brandi into Madonna, complete with the signature lace glove. Dora also encouraged Brandi to participate in beauty pageants and spent countless hours helping her prepare for the talent competitions. Those treasured memories reflect Dora's creativity, patience, and the love she poured into helping others become their very best.

Dora found joy in making others feel special. She especially loved shopping for family and friends, carefully selecting small, thoughtful gifts that reflected each person's personality and interests. It was her way of saying "I was thinking about you".  Family and friends who had not seen her in a while were often welcomed with a warm hug and one of her carefully chosen treasures. Her generosity wasn't measured by the size of the gift, but by the love and thoughtfulness behind it.

She loved movies and built an impressive DVD collection that filled shelves and stacks throughout her home. Dora also enjoyed crafting, cooking, baking cakes for family and friends, and relaxing with crossword puzzles.

Her home reflected her joyful spirit. Dora decorated for every holiday throughout the year—even the bathrooms—and especially looked forward to celebrating Christmas in July with her beloved nieces, Michelle and Nichole. Those celebrations became treasured family traditions filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.

Dora is survived by her sisters, Marti Casio of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Betty Buitron (Jorge) of Laredo, Texas; Pat Tice (Gary Villeneuve) of Abilene, Texas; Kandi Darnell (Don) of Devine, Texas; Roni Asencio (Linden Zimmerman) of Los Alamos, New Mexico; and their adopted sister, Flora Martinez of Merkel, Texas. She is also survived by her brothers, Will Asencio of Trent, Texas, and Arn Asencio (Joyce) of Abilene, Texas. She also leaves behind her former sister-in-law, Annette Asencio of Tuscola, Texas; her beloved niece, Brandi Asencio Kruser (Clint) of Tuscola, Texas; many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members; her special friend, Jesse Outlaw of Van Horn, Texas; and many dear friends whose lives she touched.

Those who knew Dora will remember a woman who worked hard, loved deeply, celebrated every occasion, and never missed an opportunity to make someone feel special. She had a remarkable way of making every person feel remembered, valued, and loved. It is a legacy that will live on in the hearts of her family and all whose lives were brighter because she was part of them.

Funeral and celebration of life service information will be announced by the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dora Elia Asencio, please visit our floral store.