Ruth Layton

Nome (Ruth) was born in Sharon, KS October 25, 1935, to Andrew and Rena Imel. At a very young age the family relocated to the lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas where she spent her childhood and attended high school. In 1953 she met and married Earl Leonard Layton a young US Air Force Airmen. She spent the next 16 years supporting him as a military wife, moving frequently, and raising their three children. When Leonard (Earl) retired, they located the family in Sandy Springs, GA while the children completed high school. At that point they continued their wandering finding themselves in Panama City, Florida, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sierra Vista and Yuma, Arizona, and El Paso, Texas. They finally settled in Killeen, Texas for 25 years until Leonard’s death in 2012. After his death, Nome relocated to Sun City West, Arizona and passed away in Litchfield Park, Arizona December 12, 2024.

Nome had a real talent in decorating their many homes and she loved to hang wallpaper. You would know instantly walking into a house that this was where they lived. One of Nome’s favorite places was Colorado Springs where she worked at the Broadmoor, and she loved the time there. Every summer Leonard and Nome would have their grandchildren visit them wherever their home was, and they would stay for weeks at a time. During these visits, they had a positive impact on them and developed a lifelong relationship.

Nome was always looking out for the well-being of others which was especially true in her later years of assisted living. She was a storyteller on any subject but especially memories from her past. She would happily chat away and tell stories for hours. She was a committed Dallas Cowboys fan and could share her opinion on players from the past to the current day especially Quarterbacks. She loved to watch old movies and enjoyed many activities, especially bingo. She also loved listening to and dancing to country music, especially Johnny Cash.

Preceded in death by her husband Earl Leonard Layton, grandson Casey Lee, and sister Beth Ware.

Survived by son Wes Layton, Eagle River Alaska, Daughter Durlinda and Son-in-law Dan Fulkerson, Surprise Arizona, Daughter Tama Lee, Cumming Georgia, Grandchildren Angie Leshor, William Layton, David Fulkerson, Pete Lee, Zack Layton, Dillon Lee, 7 great grandchildren and her sister Carol Eason.

Nome will be reunited with Leonard at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 11:00 am.