Mrs. Ruth Irene Cleveland, 82, wife of John F. Cleveland, of 1706 Lavonia Highway, Bowersville, passed away, Friday, October 8, 2010 at her home surrounded by her loving husband and family.

Born May 8, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Wyatt and Leila Chatham. She was the last member of her immediate family. She was a former lunchroom worker at Hart County Junior High. She attended Flat Shoals Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Johnny (Jean) Cleveland, Hartwell, Ga., Ronald (Brenda) Cleveland, Bowersville, Ga., Len (Andria) Cleveland, Bowersville, Ga., daughters and sons-in-law, Ann (J.L.) Cartee, Hartwell, Ga., and Linda (Bobby) McCall, Hartwell, Ga. Eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren survive. She was predeceased by her brother, Boyd Chatham and sister, Ruby Fowler.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 10 at 3:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home-Hartwell Chapel. Services will be conducted by Rev. Mike Fugate and Rev. Tommy Cleveland. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Graveside services will follow at Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

The body is at the Strickland Funeral Home-Hartwell Chapel, where the family will receive friends Saturday, October 9, from 7 to 9 p.m.The family is at the home.Flowers are optional,Memorials may be made to Odyssey Healthcare, 855 Gaines School Road, Suite G, Athens, GA 30605 or Alzheimer's Association, 1925 Century Blvd, Suite 10, Atlanta GA 30345-3315