BOONE, Iowa—Funeral arrangements have been updated for Georgia Belle Bethel Cleaveland, creator of family, fashion and friendships, died at 100 May 14, 1921 – July 11, 2021. We imagine her shouting “be good!” on her way out—as was her typical sendoff to whoever stopped by for a hello, a piece of pie and inevitably left with a more positive perspective on life.
A mother to eight and a wife to Alton Bruce (deceased.) for more than fifty years, Belle shared the good of her life with countless members of her community.
Belle gave her time and talents to committees, quilting circles, church functions, school programs, and nursing home residents. She was a trusted leader in the First United Methodist Church, 4-H (at the county and state levels,) Boone Historical Society, ISU Women’s Club and the Eastern Star. She served as PTA District President, United Way chairwoman, Easter Seals (local and county) chairwoman and Pufferbilly Days queen. If she could lend her skills of organization via planning, cooking, sewing or otherwise getting down to work, Belle would gladly get to it.
Born in Kingston, Missouri during the depression and married in 1944, Belle studied at the University of Missouri and taught in a one-room schoolhouse during World War II. Her husband’s military service took her around the country until they settled in Columbia, Missouri while Bruce finished his degree and started their family. They moved to Boone, Iowa in 1947.
Belle would remind us nobody’s accomplishments were just their own; they were always the result of help from others or those that had gone before. She created shirts, dresses, coats, jackets, suits, and quilts not only for herself and her family but — when the need arose — for an array of friends, friends’ kids, and anyone else she had heard of that might need a new “something” for some special occasion.
With Belle everyone was treated the same. Be polite, speak your mind and respect others and there would always be a seat at the table for you. (As long as you wash up and remove your hat.) Her daily breads, cookies and from-scratch pies — more than 20,000 in her lifetime — for family, neighbors, church meals and community celebrations will be missed.
She is remembered by four generations of family (more than 80 and counting) who knew her well. Her impact will continue to ripple. We should all be so lucky as to have been scolded and celebrated by such a profoundly positive and influential person.
Please share your memories of the “good” offered to you by Belle with the family via Facebook and the Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home website.
Online condolences can be left at www.schroederfuneral.com
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at the Herman Park Pavilion, 621 South Greene Street, Boone, Iowa with Pastor Dave Swinton officiating. Masks and lawn chairs are encouraged for those attending the memorial service. Burial will take place at Linwood Park Cemetery.
Memorials can be mailed to:
First United Methodist Church Foundation, 703 Arden Street, Boone, IA 50036, or Boone County Historical Society, 602 Story Street, Boone, IA 50036
Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home 609 7th Street in Boone is assisting the family with arrangements.
Belle Cleaveland, 100, Boone, Iowa
