Cleo Scales Good, 92, died on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Cleo had an extraordinary life.
Cleo was born and raised in Ewing, near the Cumberland Gap. She lived on a farm without indoor plumbing. Cleo was self-reliant and quickly mastered cooking, gardening, sewing, crocheting, quilting, and many other skills.
Cleo married Andrew Scales when she was 17 years old. Cleo and Andrew moved to Urbanna, where Andrew became the general manager of Barnhardt Duck Farm. Cleo and Andrew raised five children. Andrew died suddenly of a heart attack in 1975. Cleo remained in the family home behind Christchurch School on the Rappahannock River, an area she loved and never wanted to leave.
In 1979, Cleo married Ralph Good. Cleo and Ralph were married for 41 years, until Ralph passed in 2020. They lived in the same house, which Ralph also came to love. Cleo and Ralph maintained the house and its three-acre yard, including cutting the grass, until Ralph died.
Cleo remained in the house until her own death. In her last few years, Cleo continued to enjoy watching the boats on the river and the birds on her porch.
Cleo’s life always centered around her family. She was the matriarch of the family, which consisted of five children, 13 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Christmas and Thanksgiving were always special family gatherings.
After her mother’s death in 1996, Cleo brought her father to live with her. He lived 10 years with Cleo and Ralph until he died at age 100. Cleo was devoted to the care of her father.
Cleo is survived by her brother, Terry Gibbons, her children, David Scales, Allen Scales, Nancy Dunston, Jackie Scales, and Karen Cantor, and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The funeral was at Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home in Saluda on Monday, March 25, with visitation at 11 a.m., followed by the service at noon.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad.
Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda assisted the family.
