Marlene Fields

Life's Journey

Marlene was born in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, Texas, where she lived with her parents, Bill and Clara Laffoon. Twelve and a half years later, her sister, Linda, was welcomed into the family. Marlene attended local schools and graduated from Crozier Tech in 1948, after which she studied accounting at a local business college. Over the years, Marlene used these skills in many accounting positions, retiring in 1995, from UT Health Center, Tyler.

Marlene met her future husband, Rudolph "Rudy" Fields, in 1949. On that very night Rudy told a friend, "I'm going to marry that girl". True to his prediction, they were married just six months later. Over the next five years they became the proud parents of two daughters, Sandy and Lou Ann. The young family became active members of South Beckley Baptist Church. There Marlene was led to the Lord by her Sunday School teacher after realizing her need for a Savior. Marlene often said the years spent raising her family and being involved in Christian fellowship were some of the happiest days of her life.

To Marlene, family always came first. Her priority in life was to be a good and loving wife and mother. As her daughters grew up and started their own families, Marlene continued sharing her love with a rapidly expanding family. In 1978 Rudy and Marlene moved to Holly Lake Ranch after both daughters' families relocated to East Texas. They remained there for 26 years, where they attended Holly Tree Chapel and made many cherished friends. Marlene was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Rudy, for 62 years. She lovingly walked by his side through a 15 year battle with cancer until he went to be with the Lord in 2011. After his passing, Marlene spent the remainder of her years in Lindale.

Marlene always greeted others with a warm smile and encouraging words even through many years of declining health and chronic pain. Early on the 10th of December 2021, Marlene met her Savior face to face. At that moment all her pain was gone and she was reunited with loved ones and friends as she entered her heavenly home. We can only imagine the rejoicing in Heaven when she saw her loving parents, her beloved husband, Rudy, her precious sister, Linda, and her great-grandson, Joey.

Marlene will be dearly missed by her daughters, Sandy Duncan and Lou Ann Steck of Lindale. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, their spouses, 17 great-grandchildren and one great great-granddaughter, as well as other extended family and friends. Her legacy will live on through all those she loved.