Paula Ruth McCleney
Paula Ruth McCleney 6.15.1952 – 3.8.2026
The world laid to rest a special soul when Paula Ruth McCleney left this earth on Sunday March 8, 2026. Many said through the years that God broke the mold after He made her and it was the absolute truth. She was the kind of woman who loved big and lived out loud. She didn’t need a dance floor to cut a rug, a driveway, an Italian restaurant, the middle of a department store, if the beat and mood were right for her, that was enough. Until her last moments, she was stealing hearts and making people smile.
Paula was a doting mother to her daughters Amanda Bartlett and Kristi Love, always making sure they had everything they needed and making them feel special in ways only a mother can. She made the sacrifices of a single mother, working full time then figuring out ways to earn extra money to pay for pageants, cheer, or just Guess jeans, and there was never a Christmas when the tree wasn’t already overflowing with presents, yet she’d make one last run for more. As a loving grandmother to Saxen Bartlett and Elizabeth Bartlett, this tradition continued.
Paula loved her career as a nurse where she worked many years in hospice and home health, loving people and families through their final moments. She always joked that her patients loved her so much that they wouldn’t let other nurses care for them but it was actually true.
Paula was a proud Army Veteran who served her country during Vietnam as a communications specialist, responsible for communications between the U.S. and Vietnam.
Paula had a deep relationship with God and spent many years active in the church, offering service as a Sunday school teacher, outreach minister, and vocalist in the church ensemble. She dedicated herself to making the world a better place and raising her daughters with Biblical principles in their hearts.
In recent years, Paula battled dementia, but she never let it steal her joy or her zest for life. In fact, she lived even bigger, dancing every Thursday and making sure everyone who was in a wheelchair or had limited movement got attention, she’d grab their hands and dance with them as best she could. She’d find awe in the blue of the sky and puff of the clouds. She’d enjoy a cone of ice cream with innocence and delight of a child. She sought to make even the simplest things fun and she succeeded. And this beautiful act of rebellion in world so often filled with chaos and confusion fueled a power that changed hearts and lives until she took her last breath. She will be forever loved and missed by many. As you honor her memory, dance… not on just on dance floors, dance in shopping isles, at the gas pump, while your making coffee… just dance.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the Clubhouse On Highland from 10AM-12PM on Thursday March 12th 2908 Highland Ave. Birmingham Al, 35205
A light meal will be provided. Please RSVP if possible, by texting 703.579.7309
Followed by an inurnment service at the Alabama National Cemetery at 1:15 3133 Hwy 119, Montevallo, Al 35115