Ella Mae Fields

Ella Mae Fields was born on January 10th, 1960 in Tahlequah, OK, the daughter of Tom and Frances (Reese) Fields. She grew up in a large family of six brothers and six sisters, Johnny, Steven "Mud", Rex, Thomas, Larry, Edward, Rita, Ludavene, Judy, Joy, Julia and Dolly. She attended school in Briggs and upon graduating, attended Northeastern State University and obtained her bachelor’s degree in education. In 1984, she met and fell in love with Johnny Mathis. Together they began a life and raised a family that included four sons, Gregory, Jessie, Jonathan, and Justin. Ella earned her living as an educator, which included teaching at Briggs School. She loved her students and did everything she could to help them grow and learn. She loved people, she enjoyed watching life around her, and the view from her own yard suited her just fine. There were so many things in life she enjoyed. From riding horses, to traveling with her family to Branson for vacations. She liked to go out in her vegetable and flower gardens and work, often with her grandkids in tow. She was always ready to hit the yard sales and the thrift stores hunting for a bargain. Sometimes, she liked to head to the casino to try her luck and hear the latest. Ella was a really good cook, and her family was fed fried catfish, beans and frybread, fried potatoes, and any number of dishes. There was no better fan in the stands for her children and grandchildren than Ella, she never missed a game. She was quiet, thoughtful and kept her opinions to herself unless she knew you well. She had a serious streak, but thought there was nothing better than time spent with Johnny, just talking. He was her best friend. Her health began to fade and she passed from this life on March 3rd, 2023 in Tahlequah, OK. She was 63 years old and will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all the students she has helped over the years.

Ella is preceded in death by her grandparents, George and Bessie (Dreadfulwater) Reese and Edna Gritts. She also joins her mother and father, two brothers, Thomas Fields and Larry Fields, three sisters, Joy Gobble, Julia Belle Foreman and Dolly Webster, as well as five nephews, Kevin Mouse, Larry Dean Fields, Brian Eddings, Charles Eddings, and Jackie Ennis and two nieces, Janita Fields and Luanna Siler.

The family she leaves behind includes her companion and best friend, Johnny Mathis and her four adored sons, Gregory Mouse of Briggs, Jessie Mouse of Proctor, Jonathon Mathis and wife Bryttany of Proctor, OK, and Justin Mathis of Proctor, OK. Her surviving brothers and sisters include Johnny Fields and wife Cynthia of Tahlequah, Steven "Mud" Fields and wife Nora of Tahlequah, Rex Fields of Centerton, AR, Rita Bigmeat and husband Moses of Cherokee, NC, Ludavene Hudson and husband Randall of Mannsville, OK, and Judy Danford of Lowell, AR, Edward Fields and companion Linda Mathis. She lives on in her eight grandchildren, Anthony Fields of Tahlequah, Gabrielle Fields of Tahlequah, Braden Mouse of Arkansas, Brooklynn Mathis of Proctor, Allison Mathis of Proctor, Jean Mathis of Proctor, J.T. Mathis of Proctor and Avery Mathis of Stilwell, OK. She also leaves a beloved friend since college, Jennifer, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.reedculver.com for the Fields family.