CLEAVER

Mary M. (Gilmore) Cleaver, age 85, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.

Born on September 21, 1940, in Clarington, Ohio, Mary was a daughter of Glenn Gilmore and Ellen (Kernen) Gilmore. She lived a life marked by dedication, faith, kindness, and service to others. Mary devoted many years of her professional life to The Ohio State University, where she worked as a bookkeeping secretary. The Ohio State University is where she met John, her husband of 41 years. Later in life, Mary was a very familiar face at the Madison County Senior Center where she volunteered for many years. Known for her diligence, integrity, and kind presence, she took pride in her work and the relationships she built along the way.

A woman of deep faith, Mary was a longtime and devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Her commitment to her parish was evident in her faithful attendance and her many volunteer hours. She also left her mark on the next generation as she taught CCD and Sunday School for 12+ years in a few different parishes through the years, sharing her faith with patience, warmth, and genuine care, while leaving a lasting impact on the children and families she served. Children held a special place in her heart, and she had a natural gift for making them all feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

In her everyday life, Mary found happiness tending to her gardens, sewing, quilting, and baking for those she loved. Her handmade creations and homemade treats were gifts of love and were always generously shared. Mary always had time to lend a helping hand or share a laugh with anyone she met along her journey. She also delighted in relaxing with her favorite programs, especially the Game Show Network which always brought a smile and bit of fun to her days. She loved playing games and working puzzles with friends and family. Her smile was contagious and she shared it with all she met.

Left to cherish her memory include her daughter Jeannette (Chris) Haunty of Westerville and son James (Karen) Cleaver; 11 grandchildren (Sara, Jason, Christopher, Samantha, Garrett, Colton, Jimmy, Maria, Elizabeth, Logan, and Noah), 3 great-grandchildren (Claire, Hazel, and Henry); sister Betty Gauding, brothers Edwin (Denise) Gilmore and Clyde Gilmore; several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Delphine (Walter) Clegg.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Glenn and Ellen, beloved husband of 41 years, John C. Cleaver, brother Cecil Gilmore, and niece Reda Hodge.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM in the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140. A memorial service will commence at 1:00 PM with Chaplain Walt Sears officiating. A short graveside service will then be held in St. Patrick Cemetery, London.

Memorials in Mary’s name may be sent to benefit Capital City Hospice at 2800 Corporate Exchange Dr, Columbus, OH 43231, the Arthritis Foundation online at https://www.arthritis.org/, or the Colon Cancer Foundation at 10 Midland Ave, Suite M-06, Port Chester, NY 10573.

Condolences and prayers for the Cleaver family are encouraged to be shared online at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.