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.
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
long-time-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 (additional details to follow).
Lovingly written by the family.
5 Responses
Teresa was the most selfless woman I have ever had the honor of knowing. She Helped shape me and always pointed me the right way. She loved her children more than anything in the world and was a devoted soldier for the good Lord. This earth is lessor without her, but heaven gained a warrior. Much love Teresa…..till we meet again…
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Billy. May the Lord provide comfort for you and your family during this time. Pam Middleton & Family and Sonia Bridges & Family.
She was an amazing woman and will be missed by many. Her smile and her big heart will always be a memory of mine. I am so sorry for the family and their loss.
Teresa was a good customer of mine when I worked for Fed Ex and also a good friend. I worked on stuff for her and Dale. So sorry to here of her passing away. She had a good heart and a good women. She will be missed.
I met Teresa on a trip to SE Asia in 2012. The light, joy, and hope she always carried has left a permanent mark on me. I could tell right away that the way she lived life on that trip was the way she lived it always – with passion, strength, care for others, a fierce love for Jesus, and with a lot of laughter! She cared deeply for others – for the spiritual well-being for the lost and hurting, and for physical needs as she passed out countless bandaids to our team throughout those couple weeks! She talked about her family with such tender affection – I felt like I knew them by the end of our trip. I was looking forward to serve again with her on another trip this past summer but God had other plans. I will forever be thankful to have known Teresa and to call her “sister.” My prayers are with her family during this time.
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