M. Faith and Rod Patefield

M. Faith Patefield  11/13/1929 – 7/27/2021

Rod J. Patefield 6/24/1928 – 10/7/2021

After having lived lives of inspirational love and devotion, it is with great sadness that the family of Roderick J. (93) and Mary Faith Patefield (91) announces their passing to the Lord.

Roderick (Rod) J. Patefield was born on June 24, 1928, in Edgar, WI, to Hurvey Jens and Mable Blanche (Lamson) Patefield. Rod had received his Bachelor of Science from Washington University and had a lengthy career at Emerson Electric in St. Louis, MO, and the Department of Defense in Contracts Management. He was a Mason for 50 years, where he had received the highest level of achievement as thirty-third degree in the Scottish Rite. He proudly served as the General Secretary of the Birmingham Valley of the Scottish Rite.

Mary Faith (Faith) Patefield (nee Shively) was born on November 13, 1929, in Dallas, TX, to Russell and Cleo (Finney) Shively. Faith was an amazing soloist and took third place in a soloist competition in the state of Texas during her youth. She served on staff at a Young Life camp in Colorado, which she loved to tell tales about. She went on volunteer for many years with Belleville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary where she managed a gift shop. She was an amazing florist and seamstress working in both areas for quite some time.

Rod and Faith met while attending Bryan University in Dayton, TN. After their courtship, the two wed on August 24, 1949, in Dallas, TX, resulting in a marriage of true adoration. Their marriage has gone on to be idealized by friends and family around them. During their union, they were blessed with three children whom they loved unconditionally.

Rod was a loving father who dutifully provided for his family. His life was centered around the service of the Lord and in the last couple of decades of his life he took to reading over 19 different translations of the Bible – a different one each year. Rod was gregarious and fun-loving. He had a cadence in his greetings when he would answer the phone or greet someone in person that was unmistakable and always filled with joy and love.

Faith was caring and joyful. She was dedicated to the care of her children and husband while she balanced the needs of her dying mother and her widowed mother-in-law. She always successfully maintained the household during Rod’s frequent business trips while also raising the children. Her love never wavered. As she aged, she continued to find ways to give to the community. She crocheted numerous coverlets for the needy and Animal Welfare kittens.

Rod and Faith had a love that transcended. They were truly soulmates and with that came heartache at the end. After nearly 72 years of marriage, Faith became ill and fell asleep on July 27, 2021, while holding Rod’s hand. She passed away peacefully that evening. Rod was heartbroken after the loss of his wife. He spoke often of the Lord’s plan for our lives and knew where he would be going after his death. He knew he would be reunited with Faith in heaven. Only ten weeks after her passing, Rod fell ill as well. He passed peacefully in his sleep on October 7, 2021, with his eldest daughter by his side.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Hurvey and Blanche Patefield. He is survived by his brothers Keith of Kenosha, WI, Arden (Dixie) of Bothell, WA, Garry (Barbara) of Happy Valley, OR, Ben (Yvonne) of Wellington, CO, and Harlan (Bonnie) of Appleton, WI.

Faith was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Cleo Shively, her sister Cleo Hughes, and her brother Russel Shively. She is survived by her brother Harvey Shively of Dallas, TX.

Rod and Faith are also survived by their children, Pam (Vance Behr) of Albuquerque, NM, Dale Patefield of Belleville, IL, and Sheri Patefield of Albuquerque, NM; their five grandchildren, Sarah, Abby, Carl, Jamie, and Heather; and numerous great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Rod and Faith’s lives and the love they shared will be held at Daniels Family Funeral Home, 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, on Thursday, November 18, 2021, beginning at 2 p.m.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers you please make donations to the charity of your choice.