Ruby Merle Buckholts

Ruby Merle Buckholts, age 85 of Cleveland, passed away Friday, February 5, 2016. 

Mrs. Buckholts was born October 18, 1930 in Sparks, GA to the late Roy and Essie Barton Rowan. Merle was raised and spent most of her life in Sparks, GA where she was a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church. She was a loving wife and mother. Merle was preceded in death by her husband Earl Buckholts, sons Bobby Joe Ward and Charles Ward, brother Curtis Rowan, sisters Mildred Langdon, Reba Nell Walters and Eleanor Watson. 

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley Ward and Larry Purcell, Cleveland, GA; grandchildren and spouses, Karyn Purcell and Aaron Campagnone, Rex, GA; Kristi Purcell and Paul Southerland, Gray, GA; Michelle Ward and Stacy Skinner, Hahira, GA; Michael and Rebecca Ward, Valdosta, GA; Mark and Sarah Ward, Pelham, GA; Heather and Darrell Touchton, Sparks, GA; Kevin and Mallory Ward, Tifton, GA; Brandon and Brittany Ward, Tifton, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Melvin and Sharon Rowan, Adel, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Hazel and Gene Baker, Lenox, GA; numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Graveside services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Monday, February 8, 2015 at Yonah View Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Michael Parker will officiate. 

The family will receive friends from 4-6 PM Sunday at the funeral home. 

Online condolences can be made to the family at barrettfh.com 

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.