Ruby J. Cleveland

RUBY J. CLEVELAND, 

age 70, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026. She was born on January 11, 1956, in Cullman, Alabama, and later made her home in Lake Station, Indiana. Ruby dedicated her life to caring for others as a special education teacher and group home facilitator, where her patience, compassion, and gentle spirit touched the lives of many.

Ruby loved the Lord deeply and lived her life grounded in faith. She often spoke about going home to be with the Lord and being reunited with her beloved husband, Rich. While her passing leaves a tremendous void for those who love her, her family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace in Heaven—free from suffering and joyfully reunited with Rich. Above all, Ruby cherished her family. She will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a caring sister, aunt, and friend whose kindness and warmth will never be forgotten.

Ruby is survived by her four children, Richard (Bridget) Cleveland, Steven (Lisa) Cleveland, Danielle (Eric) Wright, and Michelle Cleveland; ten grandchildren, Dacey, Erin, Eavan, Alexis, Tatum (James) Stanley, Jared, Liam, Jolie, Jaxton, and Watson; five great-grandchildren, Braedyn, Abigeal, Cailyn, Aidan, and Violet; six siblings, Linda, Suzanne, Lisa, David, Michael, and Cathy; sister-in-law, Kathy; many nieces, nephews and other loving family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard “Rich” Cleveland; parents, Donald Bieker and Dorothy (Charles) Hawkins; brother, Jerry; grandbaby, Ian; her beloved ‘Aunt Ruby’, and son-in-law, James Wilkerson.

A celebration of Ruby’s life will be held on March 15 at ‘Nextdoor at Birdie’s, 218 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Indiana. A brief memorial and dedication ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m., with a buffet dinner immediately following. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Ruby’s beautiful life. “Though she is gone from our sight, her love and faith will remain with us always.”