Gayala Askew

Gayala Fields Askew, of Albany, Texas, passed to eternal life on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 71 years old. Gayala was born to Jewel Princeton Fields and Lois Odel Piltcher Fields on July 29, 1954, in DeLeon, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Lorene Fields, Judy Hardy, and Fredda Owens; and her grandson, Boone Askew.
Growing up and spending the majority of her youth in Chalk, Texas, Gayala enjoyed spending time in the cotton, alfalfa, and maize fields helping her father, JP. Gayala enjoyed playing basketball during her high school years and graduated from Paducah High School. Upon graduation, Gayala attended Cisco Junior College in Cisco, Texas, where she earned her degree as a Respiratory Therapist. During her time in Cisco, and with the help of a few friends, she and Bronco had their first date at the Belvania dance hall. She and Benny James Askew, better known as Bronco, were married in Denton Valley on September 6, 1974. They celebrated 51 wedding anniversaries together.
Bronco and Gayala welcomed their two sons, Shawn (1976) and JW (1982). Gayala stood alongside Bronco as they worked over 52 years for PICO Ranches in Shackelford, Stephens and Lampasas counties, owned by the Pitzer family from Breckenridge. In recent years, Bronco and Gayala worked for The Foyle Creek Ranches, owned by Dr. Karl and Carolyn Rathjen.
Gayala's greatest joy was loving and caring for others. Anyone who knew her, knew that her love language was feeding her people. Gayala loved to cook from a dutch oven around a campfire--whether that be at a Hereford Association Stock show, the creek on Easter, for all of her longtime friends of the Shackelford County Youth Livestock Association, or her favorite, feeding the working cowboys at fall and spring brandings. Her specialty was cooking a good 'ole chicken fry and homemade rolls, making it hard on Bronco to get the cowboys back to work after lunch. Gayala also loved cooking for her grandkids. Boone, Levi and Bella all had their favorites--from her "sweet ham" to pecan pies, Gigi was sure to satisfy their tastebuds.
Gayala was happy with a simple life. She did not have everything but did not want for anything. A simple strand of Navajo pearls and pretty turquoise cuff was her version of fancy. Gayala had a way of talking Billy Klapper into making her the prettiest cuffs and necklaces that were one of a kind. Gigi loved to tend her beautiful flowers and work in the greenhouse her boys built for her. Over the past few years, she and Bronco found much joy and happiness in the small things. Taking a ride in the gator around the ranch they had long cared for with their beloved dog, Rascal, was one of her favorites. While she did not have a home church, Gayala faithfully listened to her gospel hymns and preaching on the simple radio from her kitchen each Sunday morning.
A longtime citizen of Shackelford County, Gayala had numerous friends and acquaintances from her many adventures. Gayala worked at First National Bank of Albany for 12 years, followed by 30 years at the Shackelford County Courthouse where she served as the Deputy Tax Assessor Collector and 911 Coordinator. Gayala was a longtime member of the Albany Lioness Club, holding various offices. Her greatest love was the Shackelford County Youth Livestock Association, where friends were more like family. Gayala served, cooked, cleaned, and raised money for the youth of Shackelford County for close to 40 years.
Gayala is survived by her husband, Bronco; their sons, Shawn Askew and wife Angela of Comanche, JW Askew of Albany; grandchildren, Levi Askew of Albany and Bella Askew of Comanche; one sister, Jerelene Setzler of Abilene; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and all those who lovingly knew and called her Momma Gayala.
Visitation will be held at Morehart Mortuary from 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025 with funeral services on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Bethel Assembly in Albany, Texas starting at 10:00 a.m. Services will be officiated by Pastor Luke Spraberry and Gayala's nephew, Montia Setzler. Interment will follow at the Albany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shackelford County Youth Livestock Association, care of Molly Cauble, Box 2439, Albany, Texas, 76430.