Transmission or fuel filter or both? 1994 Ford Escort

I have had the worst year for cars.I have 1994 ford escort bought it almost 2 years ago from my mother only 78,000 when I bought it. Now it just turned over 100,000. Few things replaces nothing major. All of a sudden car is making loud noises. And stalls when I stop and idle. Runs fine in park. When I put it in gear sounds hard and sometimes I hear a glunk. Not aware of this until today and then it stopped working! No warnings at all.I dont remember my dodge stalling when the tranny went out it did give a warning but never stalled.I replaced the fuel filter.