Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Marybelle “Mary” Edith (Buchholz) Fields, 96, returned to her heavenly home on August 15, 2017, after a short and fearless battle with cancer’s final call. Her devotion to her family and her community, along with her firm belief in God, supported her and, ultimately, brought her to her place of peace.
Mary was born in Edberg, Alberta, Canada, to the late William F. and Mercedes (Howey) Buchholz on July 14, 1921. The family moved to Bellingham, Wash., when she was 3 and there she proudly lived the role of big sis to her three younger siblings. In 1942 Mary was blessed with her only child Mary Ann.
Mary was a caregiver at heart, once quoted as saying, “As long as God gives me the strength, I’ll keep helping.” After raising her daughter Mary Ann in Kent, Ore., Mary called many communities in Washington and Oregon home. Every community she lived in grew to love her as their own through her unselfish giving and generously loving heart. She found the most joy bringing strength and hope to people in cancer care. After her retirement from Central Washington University, she dedicated her time as a hospice volunteer in Ellensburg, Wash. After moving to The Dalles, she renewed her passion for volunteering at the Celilo Cancer Center and continued there until early 2017 when her own health prevented her from continuing her service.
Along with countless hours of volunteerism, Mary had many hobbies, including sewing, knitting and camping. She was a woman of strong faith and a member of the Life Line Baptist Church in The Dalles. She enjoyed hosting several traveling missionary families and pastors over the years.
Mary is survived by her brother, William E. Buchholz, Kittitas, Wash.; grandchildren, Deb Miller, East Wenatchee, Wash.; Jeffrey Justesen (Dawn) The Dalles, Ore.; Joe Justesen (Dionne) Wasco, Ore.; six extremely loved great-grandchildren, April, Laura, William, Maggie, Jacob and Jaelyn; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Doial Fields; brother, Lloyd William Buchholz; sister, Alona Mae Oiness; and beloved daughter, Mary Ann Justesen.
Services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in The Dalles at 1 p.m. on August 23, 2017, with a coffee social to follow.
Pastor Fred M. Sheldon will officiate the service. Burial will follow at the High Valley Cemetery in Ellensburg, Wash., at 1 p.m. on August 24, 2017. The family asks that any memorial donations be made to The Celilo Cancer Center, Heart of Hospice, or Kittitas Valley Hospital Hospice.
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