MIDLAND - Dana Ruth (Horton) Schafer passed away in Midland, on July 30, 2025 at the age of 83. She was born to parents Thomas H Horton and Evelyn Virginia (Smith) Horton on Nov. 25, 1941, in Loraine. As her parents’ only child, she spent much time working around the home with her mother and farming with her father growing up. Their passing marked a difficult time in her life, though she saw it as an opportunity to learn how to depend on God. She remembered both of her parents with love and admiration and often spoke of their strong influence on her relationship with Christ.
After graduating with the first official class from Sands High School in 1960, Dana Ruth attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, to study music. She did not complete her degree; however, she never did regret her decision, and she continued to enjoy music throughout her life. Music allowed her to give back to the Lord as a church pianist. She also enjoyed playing in her free time; if you ever visited her at home, you were likely greeted with the sound of the piano – and if you were lucky, you may have even gotten to hear Marck's guitar strings plucking right alongside her keys.
She met her husband, Marck Carter Schafer, through mutual friends in Garden City. Marck later proposed while on a double date in downtown Big Spring by handing her a sack containing her ring – a proposal that was "quite unique" according to Dana Ruth, but quite characteristic if you know Marck. The couple married on Nov. 11, 1961 in Ackerly. Throughout their 63-year marriage, they had their fair share of highs and lows, celebrations and mournings. They clung to the belief that a successful marriage is a union of three: husband, wife, and God. As her health required her to slow down, Marck beautifully cared for her with honor and dignity, truly setting the example of what it means to lay down your life for another.
Dana Ruth was blessed to welcome a daughter, Danetta Lin (Schafer) Ferguson, and son, Marck Todd Schafer, into the world. She held each of her children in high regard, especially Danetta's desire to help others and Todd's Christian influence on those around him. She absolutely loved being a mother and often referred to it as her greatest reward, second only to being a grandmother. Her five grandchildren have many fond memories of time spent with their Meme, from having weekend sleepovers to running around the house during the summer – there were no rules when Meme was in charge. She was thankful for the privilege to become a great-grandmother, as well. Her eight great-grandchildren adored their Meme, even when she insisted giving them "sugar" each time she saw them.
She is survived by her husband Marck Schafer; daughter Danetta (Dow) Ferguson; daughter-in-law Heather Schafer; grandsons Dusty (Lacy) Gressett, Caleb (Whitney) Gressett, and Lane (Reagan) Schafer; granddaughters Amanda (Zane) Sanders and Kristen Schafer; and great-grandchildren Jaycee, Jacody, Atley, Quincy, Blayklee, Sophia, Carter, and Carsen.
She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Evelyn Horton, and son Todd Schafer.
Funeral services were Aug. 2, at First Baptist Church in Big Spring, followed by a graveside service at Garden City Cemetery. Arrangements were by Myers & Smith Funeral Home.