Carrie Cleveland was born in Hamilton, Montana on June 30, 1929 to Nora (Breen) and Floyd McCormick. On January 9, 2013, she slipped peacefully away from this world due to complications from cancer. She was surrounded and comforted by friends and family members as well as the oncology staff of Dr. Weiner at Saint Peter’s Hospital. She was 83 years old.
She attended schools in Hamilton where she received an excellent education. In the sixth grade, due to a change in the Hamilton school bus routes, she met her lifelong love, Carr Cleveland. Carr and Carrie were married on June 15, 1949 in the Cleveland family living room in Hamilton. They launched their 63 year marriage adventure in Denton, Montana on the family homestead. This was the beginning of their good life together. They shared their happiness with two children: Susan Marie and Douglas Wayne. The couple’s years in Denton were rich in friendship. Carrie worked on the farm, in the bowling alley and at the Denton School, but she often said that her job in the Denton School was the best job she ever had.
In 1964 the family moved to Lewistown where Carrie worked at a radio station and Carr worked for the Montana State Highway Department. A third child, Scott Carr, added to the family’s joy. In 1967 the family moved to Butte. Carr appraised interstate highway right-of-way while Carrie worked at a radio station and Pasley Motors. Carr’s promotion within the highway department caused a move to Helena in 1970. Carrie began her career at the Federal Reserve Bank. She worked there 20 years until her retirement in 1990.
Carrie was ever a gracious lady. She looked for the good in this world and found it. She especially loved and appreciated people. She had a remarkable gift for encouraging others to see their own strengths and abilities. She was a kind and good friend to many people, and counted them among her blessings. She loved music and was a founding member of the Sweet Adeline’s Chorus in Helena.
Carrie was preceded in death by her father: Floyd McCormick, her mother and step-father: Nora and Glen Lowery, and her son: Douglas Wayne Cleveland.
Carrie is survived by her husband Carr Cleveland, her daughter Susan (Lowell) Bartels, her daughter-in-law Mary (Douglas) Cleveland, her son Scott (Jeanette) Cleveland, her grandsons: Josh (Raena) Cleveland, Matt (Rebecca) Cleveland, Mark (Amy) Bartels, Adam (Karin) Bartels, Cody Cleveland, Casey Cleveland, and her great- grandchildren: Jaden, Joscelyn and Jaycee Cleveland, Luke and Henry Bartels. Love has added Bonnie Hurless and Dolly McMaster to the family.
A celebration of Carrie’s life will be held on Monday, January 14, 2013 at the Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church at 11:30 AM. A light luncheon will immediately follow the service. Burial will take place in Hamilton at a later date. Memorials in Carrie’s name are suggested to the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Building Fund 512 Logan, Helena, MT 59601 or to Farm in the Dell International Foundation, 1208 Poplar, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or share a memory of Carrie.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:30 a.m.
Monday January 14, 2013
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Monday January 14, 2013
St. Paul's United Methodist Church Social Center
,
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:30 a.m.
Monday January 14, 2013
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Monday January 14, 2013
St. Paul's United Methodist Church Social Center
,
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Joanie Werner says
Carrie was one of the sweetest woman of God that I have ever met. She was an example of Godliness for all of us to follow. Her smile and spirit will remain with me forever. It is never easy to lose our mom and spouse. I pray peace for your family.
Del Harris says
Carrie and I did many happy fun things together. We sang in the Sweet Adelines for several years; even attended some regional competitions. Carr, Carrie, Scott and Buck, Rusty and myself traveled to the International Barbershop conventions in Salt Lake City and San Francisco. We’d board their huge motorhome, which Carr drove and off we’d go. Our teen age sons, kept Carrie happy as she enjoyed family with her always. We went to the B.C. Worlds Fair in that motorhome, too. Carrie was wonderful to travel with. Her common sense approach to life kept us focused and happy. Those time are precious to me. I’ll always remember the great, great times we had together.
I think she might be up in heaven cooking for the family, as she so loved to do.
Jerry and Brenda Schutz says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Your
family is in our thoughts and prayers. God
Bless.
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Carr,Susan Scott and Families. Carrie Was such a sweet soul. She was always there to help or give a word of incouragement. She will be missed by many and remembered fondlly.
Rhonda Strainer-Score says
Dear Carrie Cleveland Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Carrie at the Federal Reserve Bank starting in 1975, I was only 18. I remember thinking at the time how I admired her genuine kindness and love for others and that she never said a bad word to say about anyone! I wished at the time that I could be like that, but I have to say that as much as I have tried over the years I have failed at it. I feel really blessed to have worked with her and know her. Many years later, I worked for a short time with Carr at Dept of Transportation/Right-of-Way Bureau and in July of 2010, Lowell officiated my husband’s (Skip Score) funeral. So, she not only touched my life but other family members have also. I pray that Heavenly Father will sustain you and give you peace during this difficult time. I hope that all the memories you hold so close to your hearts will comfort you also in the days ahead.
Rhonda Strainer-Score
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
We are so sorry to learn of Carrie’s passing. She was truly a ‘lady’ in every sense of the word and she will surely be missed. I always appreciated the way she greeted everyone with so much grace and that unforgetable smile. The Cleveland/Bartels family is in our prayers. We send our love and deepest sympathy.
Chuck and Susan Pesta says
Carr, Susan, Lowell and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May you find strength and comfort in your beautiful memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bless you.
Merelyn Brubaker & Sheri Trumpfheller says
Carr and Family,
Carrie touched our lives in countless small and large ways, we will never forget that it was the kindness, love and support of the Clevelands and Bartels that saw Merelyn through the loss of her beloved husband Tom. Carrie’s joy, enthusiasm, tenderness and skill with comfort food will be remembered by our family always. We share your sorrow and send our thoughts and prayers to all of Carrie’s family.
Traci Steen says
Carr and family….
So sorry to hear about Carrie. She was a special lady! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bea Steen says
Carrie was one of a
kind. I can recall so many wonderful times we had together and the many visits she and Carr made to my home during the holidays to bring baskets of goodies, oh yes all those wonderful picnics, ice fishing parties, She was truly a lady of Grace and she shared it so well. Carr to you and your family I send my prayers to you all
Sharon Holmquist Mercado says
So sorry of hear of your loss of Carrie. She was such a sweet, wonderful woman. I remember her singing in the Sweet Adelines. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Len and Wendy Olson says
We will remember Carrie as such a great lady. She always had a smile on her face. May the Cleveland family have many, many wonderful memories of all the great times spent with Carrie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Patsy Wilson says
.Carrie was a wonderful person. I was very lucky to be her cousin. I enjoyed every moment
that I spent with her and Carr and their great family.
Shaun Olin McPherson says
Carrie was my Moms cousin (Gale Breen) She was one of the nicest people I have ever meet. Always had a nice thing to say and I do not think I ever saw her without a smile on face. She loved kids as I do. I always enjoyed getting to see her and Carr. Thoughts are with you.
Paul ,Shaun,Krystal,Luke,Brad and Blake.
Ivy Breen says
Our loss is heaven’s gain. There is no doubt that she is up there now making everyone feel at home. She was a kind and gentle soul with a ready smile for everyone. You just felt better about the world after talking with Carrie. She will be greatly missed.
Rod and Ivy Breen
Patrick Leeds says
I was deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Carrie. She was a great lady whose advise meant a lot to me. She will be missed tremendously. I will always treasure her great wit and helpful advice. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.