Marilyn Karen Field Porter, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2024, surrounded by her beloved family in Albuquerque, NM. Marilyn was born March 10, 1930, to Eddie and Clara Field in Pelican Rapids, MN. Her family moved to Selah, WA, when she was a young girl.
Marilyn graduated from Seattle Pacific College with a degree in Home Economics and a teaching credential. She met her husband, Bill, while they were both active in Student Government at SPC, and they were married on July 11, 1953. They moved to China Lake, CA, where Marilyn taught Kindergarten until their children were born and later worked as a substitute teacher.
Marilyn was active in the community and at Immanuel Baptist Church for many years. At Immanuel, she was involved in Women’s Bible Study, coordinated the Church Nursery and Vacation Bible School, and later the Homebound Ministry. In the community, Marilyn taught women to read through Laubach Literacy, helped lead a community Bible Study, and enthusiastically supported her children’s activities. Marilyn and Bill moved to Albuquerque, NM, in 2015 to be closer to family, enjoying visits with grand and great-grandchildren. She loved to watch the birds come to the feeders in her yard.
Marilyn was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whom her family deeply loved. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Edward Field. She leaves behind her husband of 70 years, William (Bill) Porter; her children, Karen McDuff, Mark Porter (Karen), and Mary Schlavin (Paul); twelve grandchildren: Karisa Balaram (Arvind), Jonny McDuff (Alanna) Ryan McDuff (Mariza), Christopher Schlavin (Casey), Jon Schlavin (Jaclene), Elise Shea (Ben), James Schlavin (Jacqui), Luke Porter (Aimee), Grace Porter, Michelle Schlavin, John Porter, and Sarah Dickenson (Bryce). She is also survived by eighteen great-grandchildren, her brother, Floyd Field, and many extended family members.
Marilyn was an accomplished seamstress who enjoyed cooking, ceramics, gardening, and bird-watching. She traveled with Bill around the US and Europe, including two short-term mission projects with Wycliffe Bible Translators to England and Germany. Marilyn will be remembered for her faithfulness, deep love for the Lord and her family, and generosity and hospitality—she was a friend to all she met. She leaves a legacy of love, faith, and strength that will guide and inspire those who know her.
A Celebration of Life was held at Sandia Baptist Church, Albuquerque, NM, on Saturday, July 13. Donations may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators in Marilyn’s name instead of flowers.