Edna Ruth Cleveland

Edna Ruth Humberd Cleveland, age 87, of Sweetwater, Tennessee, passed away on September 27, 2013. She was preceded in death by husband, William Ballard Cleveland; father, John Willis Humberd; mother, Fannie Hughes Humberd; brother, Milton Humberd; sisters, Dorothy Baker, Mildred Ball, Jo Ann Humberd; and great-granddaughter, Margaret Anne Eastman. She is survived by sons, John Cleveland and wife, Arlene; Alan Cleveland and wife, Bonnie; Mike Cleveland and wife, Audrey; and daughter, Ruth Anne Bendall and husband, Robert. Grandchildren, Will Cleveland and wife, Jessi; Alex Cleveland and wife, Geneva; Kristen Connatser and husband, Matt; Emily Roy and husband, Jason; Greg Cleveland and wife, Jaclyn; Karen Eastman and husband, Perry; Houston Bendall, Bryan Gaston and wife, Lara; and Andrew Gaston. Great-grandchildren, Jack Cleveland, Trevor Connatser, Evan Connatser, Lily Cleveland, Katie Cleveland, Geneva Gaston and Dorothy Gaston. Sisters, Joy McGroom and Irene Patching. Mrs. Cleveland graduated at age 16 as valedictorian at Bradley County High School, graduated from the University of Tennessee in 3 years and obtained her Master's Degree in Food and Nutrition in one year. She taught Home Economics at Sweetwater High School, full-time and later as a substitute. Her family was a Farm Bureau Family of the Year. With her husband and sons, Alan and Mike, Mrs. Cleveland was a most important part of the operation of the White Oak Farm, an innovative dairy where no-till crops were developed. She prepared income tax returns for area farms for many years. Her rolls and cherry pies graced many tables in the Sweetwater Valley. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed winning. She was a member of Browder Memorial Church and lived her faith. Edna Ruth Cleveland had a presence that will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Edna Ruth Cleveland to the Holston United Methodist Home for Children, 404 Holston Drive, Greeneville, TN 37743-3126 or the Margaret Anne Eastman Scholarship Fund, Advancement Office, Isidore Newman School, 1903 Jefferson Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115-5699. The family will receive friends at Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, Tennessee, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 30, 2013, with the funeral service to follow. Graveside service at Westview Cemetery, Sweetwater, at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com

Edna Ruth Cleveland

January 10, 1926 - September 27, 2013