Obituary of Ruth Cleveland

Cleveland, Ruth Elizabeth (nee Morris)

Our family is sad to announce the passing of Ruth Elizabeth Cleveland on April 30, 2023, at her home in Cedar Springs, surrounded by love. We will miss her but remember her favourite saying of late: “I’ve lived a wonderful life!” 

Ruth is the daughter of William and Lizzie (Nussey) Morris. She is predeceased by Bob Cleveland (2011), who was her husband, her working partner, and her very best friend. She was mother, mother-in-law, and “Gramma” to her family: Wendy (Cleveland) and Paul Van Torre (2021) and their children, Amy Van Torre and Kevin Van Torre; Gary Cleveland and Maheen Saeed and their children, Maya and Gibran Cleveland; Blair Cleveland and Mark Cleveland. She was sister and sister-in-law of William and Lynn Morris, and beloved aunt of many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ruth grew up in Comber. When she finished business college, she worked in Chatham where she met her soulmate at the popular Pyranon Ballroom. “Our eyes met across the crowded room,” Mom would say. They were married in March 1955 - a month with less farm work. Mom was a true farmer’s wife, the kind who got her hands dirty, drove a tractor, and delivered hot meals to the field during harvest. Also, as a farm wife, it was she who did repairs around the house. Her own toolbox was kept safely away from Bob and the kids. She enjoyed the fellowship of Cedar Springs United Church and was a member of its UCW. Proudly she’d say “Once we made 1,200 cherry pies in a single day!” 

Ruth had many talents and interests. She made children’s clothes, Halloween costumes, and created Barbie doll clothing. She loved to decorate, filling her home with souvenirs from her travels and trimmings for every season and holiday. As kids, we soon learned of her keen interest in science. We have clear memories of being woken from sleep to view comets in the dark sky. She would ask intelligent questions when one of her sons was developing a science project. In later years, Mom and Dad would travel to Snowbird airshows, largely because of aviators in her family, but sometimes she wondered if she might have become a pilot herself. Eventually she did become a snowbird... …wintering in Florida. Another travel delight was ocean cruises. Years of hard work in the farm and gravel businesses were rewarded as Ruth and Bob travelled to dozens of countries. Ruth’s brilliant smile opened the door to many friendships. She liked people. Ruth was happiest surrounded by family and friends, and was always the last to leave any gathering (the family often joked that Mom, no matter what age, was perpetually seventeen inside). Even in her very last days, that bright smile was shining on her face.

Our family would like to give special thanks to all the frontline heroes we met this year: hospital workers, Community Services, the Victorian Order of Nurses, and IDA pharmacy. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the VON.

A small service for Ruth will be held at Craford Cemetery on Saturday, May 6, at 3:00 pm. 
Afterwards, at 3:30 pm, Ruth’s family would enjoy your company at Deer Run Golf Course. 

Also, you are invited to share your memories online at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com


 
McKinlay Funeral Home
141 Park Street
Blenheim
519-676-3451