Marilyn "Pat" Patricia Cleveland

Marilyn “Pat” Patricia Cleveland, 88, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus on Monday in Bartlesville. Pat was a longtime Dewey resident and business leader who cherished family, friends and vintage finds. She was filled with the sweet joy of the Lord her Savior and she ministered to others with His amazing love and goodness all the days of her life. Marilyn or Pat as she was better known was born the daughter of Walter Scott and Lydia Oma (Bixler) Stringer on August 28, 1935, in Bartlesville. Pat would be the first to tell you she grew up in the Fish Creek area south and east of Bartlesville. She attended Fish Creek elementary school and graduated from Bartlesville College High in 1953. Pat grew up on the family farm and just across the street lived her beloved grandparents Mama and Papa Bixler with whom she had many fond memories. She was a member of 4-H and showed dairy cows, something she later enjoyed with her own children. While at 4-H camp she met Wesley Warren Cleveland, who became the love of her life and husband of 49 years. After uniting in marriage on August 14, 1954, they made their first home in Dewey, next Copan, before settling in at the Cleveland Family Farm west of Dewey. Pat’s first antique store was opened on the farm. She later had Pine Door Antiques and Dewey Antique Mall both in Dewey. In 1993 she opened Linger Longer Antique Mall and Soda Fountain, a local landmark that has been featured in countless media. Pat owned and operated Linger Longer up until her 87th birthday. Her hope was that the community could enjoy the iconic soda fountain experience just like she did when growing up. The grandkids remember tea parties hosted at Linger Longer for them where everyone wore formal attire. She loved hosting and spending time with each one of them. Many worked at the soda fountain and store alongside their beloved grandmother who taught them customer service, discipline but most of all, the value of love and a friendly smile that brightened people’s days. Pat had many accomplishments as a business woman including but certainly not limited to: Business Woman of the Year and grand marshal of the Dewey Christmas parade. She supported all things Dewey and was a member of the Dewey Civic Association, antique association and the Washington County Historical Society. When she wasn’t at the store or in community-building activities, Pat filled her time by enjoying the large family God blessed her with. She loved mowing the lawn and would gently scold her sons for trying to do it for her. Throughout her life, she loved the Lord. She was active in the ministries of her church Dewey United Methodist, especially the Chicklets Women's Group book club. She loved creating smiles and she will be dearly missed. Pat is survived by one sister Carolyn French (Gil); her children, Craig Cleveland (Debbie), Carol Dowell, Lynnette Gunter (Danial), and David Cleveland (Melissa); 22 grandchildren, Crystal Cleveland (Justin Jones), Candi Cleveland, Cathi Cleveland, Carla Cleveland, Amanda Wyrick, Max Cleveland, Marcus Cleveland, Malakai Cleveland, Michael Grass(Linzi), Daniel Grass, Jessica Gardner, Lydia Roecker (Tyler), bonus granddaughter Darcy Swanson (Brandon), Josh Gunter (Shannon), Heather Thomison (Matt), Clint Gunter (Samantha), Katey Hightower (Blake), Paige Cleveland, Kennedy Elliott (Beck), Chance Cleveland (Michala), Chasity Newland (John), and Cooper Cleveland; and 33 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Wesley Warren Cleveland; two brothers, Bob Stringer and Ronnie Stringer; two sisters, Kathryn Corey and Evelyn Stringer; and a granddaughter April Wyrick. Pat had ten great-great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Journey Home: 900 NE Washington Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006. Services will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, January 26, at the Dewey United Methodist Church. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Marilyn "Pat" Patricia Cleveland

August 28, 1935 - January 15, 2024