Melva Morgan Field

Melva Morgan Field went to her final dwelling place with her Heavenly Father on September23,2013. She was born November 24, 1914 at her home in Dallas County, Iowa of the marriage of Harvey (1870-1923) and Anna Stewart Morgan (1877-1957), the fourth of five daughters born to the Morgans, all of whom predeceased her. Melva was married to her husband of 51 years Donald Clayton Field (1913-1987) in 1936 on the date that he graduated from Iowa State University. They moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey where he was employed as a Chemical Engineer at ESSO (Exxon-Mobil) and where the first two of their three children namely, James Morgan Field, Sr., husband of Laura Holloway Field and Nancy Ann Field Darwin, wife of William N. Darwin, Jr., were born. During World War II, Don was on the team of engineers that developed a synthetic rubber, when the Japanese made it difficult to import natural rubber. After its development, Don was transferred to Baton Rouge in 1942 in order to utilize the larger refining capacity of the local Esso refinery. Melva operated a nursery school from their home on Cedardale Ave. and dedicated most of her time to being a loving wife and mother to her children. Her youngest child Anthony Clayton Field, MD, husband of Sharon Haven Field of Carson City, NV was born in Baton Rouge. After her children were older she worked as a Medical Secretary for Hulon Lott, MD and then for Page Acree, MD. Melva was raised in a Christian home and it was evident to all that knew her that God's spirit resided in her. She brought her children to Southside Baptist Church, the Christian Church and later to University United Methodist Church. She was a member of the University Methodist Church for more than 60 years and served many years on the Church's caregiver's team. She was also active in Lampion Club and Exxon Annuitants Club. In 1962 she became "Gram" and is survived by eleven grandchildren: James Morgan Field, Jr., husband of Suzanne Ladner Field; Mark Holloway Field, husband of Kelly Howell Field; Shannon Field McKernan, wife of Gordon J. McKernan, all of Baton Rouge; and Brittany Field Leak , wife of H. Carter Leak, IV, Charlotte, NC; William Morgan Darwin, husband of Renee Capuzzi Darwin, Vass, NC, Clayton Martin Darwin, husband of Kim Logan, Comer, GA; Elizabeth Darwin Gatlin, wife of Cabot Gatlin, Fayetteville, GA; Jennifer Darwin, wife of Lamar Seagraves, Colbert, GA; Racheal Field Carter, wife of Casey Carter, Fresno, CA ; Sarah Beth Field and Emily Field, Carson City Nevada. She is also survived by 26 Great Grandchildren from age 6 to 26. As the matriarch of her family she was loving, accepting and an understanding counselor and advisor. She loved to read and always had time to listen to and interact with her children, grandchildren and friends. She is famous for "Melva's Cheesecake" and her fresh fruit tart. Her family is very grateful that God blessed her with a long and vibrant life. Almost to the very end of her life's journey God's love flowed through her to those who made up, what she often referred to as her "wonderful family," as well as to her friends. Her quick wit, willingness to laugh at herself, sense of humor and her contentment with her circumstances and condition were some of the hallmarks of her sweet, spirited personality. It could be truthfully said that the lady known only as Melva, Mrs. Field, and Gram was short on titles, but long on testimonies of her family and those whom she loved and that was virtually everyone she really got to know. There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Melva's life at the University United Methodist Church on Sunday October 13, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to University United Methodist church, 3350 Dalrymple Dr., Hospice of Baton Rouge or charity of choice. Interment arrangements are being handled by Rabenhorst Funeral Home. Visit Rabenhorst.com for on line condolences.