(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)
Teresa Lynn Abbiatti-Fields led a life set apart from most; born on March 29, 1956, she spent 66 years relentlessly committed to living life to its fullest potential. Her devotion to serving her God and her
family yielded a story of life that will continue to be told and shared for years and generations to come.
Born and raised by Melvin and Beulah Abbiatti in Carthage, MO, Teresa’s early years rendered a longstanding love for the outdoors, riding horses, tending to livestock, and working alongside family.
After graduating Carthage High School, she attended Oklahoma State University, rodeoed, traveled the country, and regularly returned home to help her family any chance she could get.
Throughout life, Teresa carried an understanding that the willingness to work hard and learn from the competent experience of others would equip her with an education greater than any institution could offer.
Her careers ranged from working her ranch, breaking colts, and hauling livestock to serving a variety of technical roles both in the medical and veterinary fields; including, jobs as a Surgical Technician and Phlebotomist.
Working two jobs at one time, feeding pastures after work, or running the Carthage Municipal Park Skating Rink and additional entrepreneurial endeavors with her father (and best friend) were not uncommon responsibilities for Teresa. She took pride in providing for herself and her family, and she did it well.
When Teresa was not working; she was serving. She took countless missions overseas, trenched the
mountains of Asia and the terrains of Central and South America, and simply never said no to the chance to share her faith with the world. While international travels were her passion; she equally valued the opportunity to show up for a friend and attend any gathering of invitation.
Aside from Teresa’s strong faith in God, her greatest legacy in life will be left with her children, Abbi
(Brent) Menz and Lucas (Ivy) Littles. If you knew Teresa; you knew her children. Being a mother was her greatest pride and deepest joy. Showing up for them also led her to many travels across the United
States whether it be to support them in their personal career endeavors, host an adventure-filled
vacation or simply make a weekend visit to an out-of-state home. No amount of distance or time kept
Teresa from building a bond with her family stronger than most people will have the privilege to know.
When Teresa was not working; she was serving. She took countless missions overseas, trenched the
mountains of Asia and the terrains of Central and South America, and simply never said no to the chance to share her faith with the world. While international travels were her passion; she equally valued the opportunity to show up for a friend and attend any gathering of invitation.
Aside from Teresa’s strong faith in God, her greatest legacy in life will be left with her children, Abbi
(Brent) Menz and Lucas (Ivy) Littles. If you knew Teresa; you knew her children. Being a mother was her greatest pride and deepest joy. Showing up for them also led her to many travels across the United
States whether it be to support them in their personal career endeavors, host an adventure-filled
vacation or simply make a weekend visit to an out-of-state home. No amount of distance or time kept
Teresa from building a bond with her family stronger than most people will have the privilege to know.
Though the majority of Teresa’s life was stamped with self-sufficiency and contentment; there is no
doubt that the most joyful part of her heart was unlocked the day she married the love-of-her-life and
longtime friend, Billy Russell Fields, on June 30, 2019. Their marriage added to her family another son,
Brandon Mounce, and marked some of Teresa’s greatest family adventures. Being Billy’s wife gifted her a love and companionship she didn’t know she needed. They spent retirement side by side working on their ranches both in Prairie Grove, AR and Sarcoxie, MO. When the couple wasn’t working or traveling. they would be found playing with their grandchildren, Pepper, Sean, Johnny, and Smoke.
Teresa will be known throughout history as a fighter. She was unrelenting and resilient, and while these
were characteristics she carried throughout all of her life; they were cornerstones of her two-year battle
with cancer. She had one life to live, and she did it well. She fought the good fight. She finished strong,
and she peacefully went home to her God on December 17, 2022, in her home alongside family.
Though she left behind her husband, three children, four grandchildren, and two brothers (Doug Abbiatti and Dale Abbiatti); she is celebrating in Heaven with her parents (Melvin and Beulah Abbiatti), son (Justin Littles), sister (Sandra Abbiatti) and countless family and friends today.
A celebration of Teresa’s life will be held on Wednesday December 21, 2022, at 4:30 PM at the private
venue, Some Place Nice, located at 9131 Wallaby Road, Pierce City, MO 65723. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Mo
Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the approved non-profit; Walking
Gods Trail International Mission Team.
A celebration of Teresa’s life will be held on Wednesday December 21, 2022, at 4:30 PM at the private
venue, Some Place Nice, located at 9131 Wallaby Road, Pierce City, MO 65723. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Mo
Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the approved non-profit; Walking
Gods Trail International Mission Team.
No comments:
Post a Comment