Norma Ruth Mecaskey

Norma Ruth Layfield Mecaskey, who lived a life of Christian servitude, passed away peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the age of 93. She was surrounded on her last day on earth by her daughters, sons in law, grandchildren, her sister and one of her nieces. 

A celebration of her life will be held at Redeemer Bible Church Monday, February 19, 2018 at 11:00am, with Pastor Kent Barnard officiating.  

Norma was born December 14, 1924 in Decatur, Texas to Gene and Lottie Layfield.  She grew up on a dairy and cattle farm along with her sisters and lifelong best friends, Bobbye and Peggye, and was active at Corinth Baptist Church.  She graduated from Decatur Baptist College, now Dallas Baptist University.  She later moved to Dallas, along with her two sisters, where they shared an apartment together for a short while.  Several years later, Norma spent many hours active in PTA, Brownies and various school activities while her two daughters, Karen and Nicke, were in school.  She was also active in various church Bible studies and women’s groups at Casa Linda United Methodist Church and later at Redeemer Bible Church, where she was a member until her death. 

Norma worked with many of Dallas’ top leaders as office administrator for Goals for Dallas, a non-profit organization, establishing goals and promoting projects for the city’s growth.  She retired from Goals for Dallas in 1992. 

Throughout her life, her faith and her family were her top priorities. She modeled a life of putting God first, the importance of worship, and the power of forgiveness. She was an avid reader and enjoyed discussing religion, politics and current events with family and friends, listening intently and then sharing her views. 

She loved her family with all her heart.  Being with her beloved sisters, daughters, grandchildren, and the rest of the family made our mother the happiest. She was fiercely independent and proud but quick to genuinely offer help to another.  She was the greatest support and ally for anyone experiencing sadness or troubles in life; she would love on you, pray for you,cry with you and encourage you.  She had a God-given gift for compassion and support.  As one of her nieces described her, she was such a beautiful woman, inside and out.  She was gentle and kind and loved God completely.  She was such a great example of kindness and grace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Lottie Layfield, and her sister, Peggye Layfield Banvard..

She is survived by her daughters, Karen Allen and husband, Rusty Allen, of Graham, and Nicke Hetzel and husband, Richard Hetzel, of Dallas; her sister, Bobbye Dathe of Dallas; grandchildren, Grant Larsen, Nicholas Larsen and Aimee Larsen, along with nieces, Carla Banvard Simons, Patti Banvard Hatton, and nephews Dan Dathe, and Greg Lintjer, husband of niece Cindy Dathe Lintjer, deceased, and several great-nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the loving and caring staff at Caruth Haven Court who provided a dignified and compassionate life for mother this past year, and to express our gratitude, love and appreciation to the precious private companions who loved on and cared for our mother, protecting her and increasing her quality of life and time on earth.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to her beloved church, Redeemer Bible Church, 721 Easton Road, Dallas TX  75218.