Martha Fields

Martha Fields passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday morning, Oct. 11, 2008. She was 81 years old.

She is survived by her children, Brandon Fields, Teresa Morgan, Kevin Fields, and Melissa Jerrell. She also has seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Martha (maiden name: Jerrel) was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant. Her father, Bert Jerrel, was a local businessman. Her mother, Florence Van Hon, worked as a cook at Mt. Pleasant Mental Health Institute. The family attended St. Michael's Episcopal Church.

Martha moved to Tucson, Ariz., after graduating from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1945. Over the next ten years, she would have four of her five children: Jerry, Brandon, Teresa, and Kevin.

In September 1960, Martha moved to Kayenta, Ariz., where she worked as secretary for Kayenta Boarding School for 13 years. There she had her fifth child, Melissa. Her first grandchild, Angelee, was also born in Kayenta, whom she helped care for. All five of her children graduated from Monument Valley High School.

For more, see our Oct. 20 print edition.