Ruby B. Love

Ruby Bowen Love, age 99, of Cleveland, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on September 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 20, 1925, in Eastman, Georgia, to the late John A. Bowen and Flossie Mae Bowen, who instilled in her the values of hard work, faith, and kindness.

Ruby devoted her life to education as a teacher, shaping the lives of countless students with patience and dedication. Beyond the classroom, she loved gardening, cooking, and serving others through her church. She also gave generously of her time by volunteering in the community, including faithfully working on election days to support her neighbors and civic duty.

She and her husband, Arthur “Art” P. Love, shared 69 years of marriage until his passing in 2016. Together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and service to others. Ruby’s faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she will be remembered for her unwavering love, gentle spirit, and hospitality that touched all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur “Art” P. Love; her parents; her siblings, Hansford Bowen, Madison Bowen, J.W. Bowen, and James Leroy Bowen; and her son-in-law, Dave Whitaker.

Ruby is survived by her children, Bonnie Whitaker of Cleveland and Alan Love (Carol) of Jacksonville, Florida; her grandchildren, Rachel Breaux (Dony) and April Love of Jacksonville, Beth Davis (Nathan) of Nashville, and Mandy Beaty (Brandon) of Cleveland; and her great-grandchildren, Hunter Mikson (Emily), Tyler Mikson, Andrew Breaux, Katie Beaty (Garren), Candace Beaty, Emily Davis, and Sarah Davis; and great-great grandchild, Kennedy Mikson.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hearth Hospice, especially Nurse Jane Bartolo, Aide Brandy Kelly, and her team of caregivers—Darlene, Penny, Gabby, Laurie, Misty, and many others who lovingly supported Ruby and spoke into her life along the way.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cleveland, 3000 Ralph Buckner Blvd NE, Cleveland, TN 37311. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery, where Ruby will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Westwood Baptist Church, 4001 Georgetown Road, Cleveland, TN 37312.

Messages of sympathy may be shared in her online guestbook atPoole Funeral Home.