Frances Cleveland Rutledge's Obituary
Lilly Frances Bates was born to Daniel and Cassie Bates on August 16, 1922, in Diemer, Mississippi, and graduated from Philadelphia High School, Philadelphia, Mississippi. She was the middle child of7, five brothers and one sister. She was introduced to Ray Cleveland of Union, MS, by her cousin. They were married in January, 1945 when he returned from the Navy at the end of World War II and moved to Austin, Texas, so Ray could attend The University of Texas. From this marriage were born daughter, Dr. Lynda Gail Cleveland, of Dallas and Austin, Texas, and son, Kenneth Ray Cleveland, of Los Angeles, California. Afi:er graduation, the Clevelands moved several times due to Ray’s civil engineering career until they began calling Dallas home in 1958. Ray unexpectedly went to heaven in 1978. To describe Frances, you would use the words accomplished seamstress; active teacher/leader in Women’s Missionary Union and Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church: gracious hostess for Bible studies, parties and open houses; active in neighborhood garden, antique and book clubs; and world traveler, having visited China, England, Germany and Australia. She always supported her children in all their activities. Following Ray’s death, Frances continued her career in real estate and maintained active membership in First Baptist Church. God mended two broken hearts when widower Henry Dyer Rutledge and widow Frances were married at First Baptist by Dr. W.A. Criswell in August, 1982. Frances and Henry shared their lives until Henry’s homegoing in 2009. Frances was preceded to heaven by her parents, brothers and sister. She is survived by her children, Lynda and Kenneth; her grandchildren, Danica Cleveland Jones of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Colton Ray Cleveland of Vail, Colorado; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank those who have been especially helpful during the last years ofFrances’ life, including the Joy Sunday School Class; Gene Akins; Ruby Daniels; Kay Dosterschill, Rosemary Godlewski; Sue Grobe; Donna Harris; Ouida Jones; Fran Maples; LaVoyce Sims; Cecelia and Joe Smyth; Helen and Jason Starck, Barbara Tew; Josie Whitley; and Leeann and Doug Wright. Memorial gifts may be made to Fuel the Fire, First Baptist Church, 1701 San Jacinto Street, Dallas, Texas. Her celebration of life was held December 14, 2016 at The Restland Wildwood Chapel. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
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