Rutha Mae (Queen) Cooks

March 1, 1935 – May 29, 2025

Rutha Mae (Queen) Cooks passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, at Orchard View Manor in East Providence at the age of 90.

Rutha Mae was born on March 1, 1935, in Cuthbert, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Jack Queen and Epsie Gilbert. Rutha Mae graduated from Randolph County Training School, Class of 1954. She went on to dedicate over 35 years of her life to her career as a hairdresser at Kandy’s Beauty Salon, where her skill and warmth touched generations of clients and friends. While working at St. Elizabeth Nursing Home in Providence, she had a way of putting a smile on the faces of everyone around her.

Rutha Mae was the cherished widow of Walter Cooks and a devoted mother to seven children: Virginia Queen Clemons of West Palm Beach, FL. James J. Queen and Floyd Queen of Lithonia, GA. Regina Howard of Providence, RI. Ruthie Mae Howard of Bristol, RI. She was preceded in death by two sons Lawrence C. Howard, and Donald Queen. Rutha Mae’s legacy continues through her large and loving family, including 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Rutha Mae was preceded in death by her five brothers: Harden Gilbert, Homer Queen, Leonard Gilbert, Ernest Gilbert, and David Queen.

Rutha Mae was a faithful woman who believed in giving—always making sure to pay her tithes. Her love for family and tradition was most evident in her unforgettable Sunday dinners. The aroma of her home-cooked meals filled the house, and the sounds of gospel music served as a joyful soundtrack to love and togetherness.

She will be remembered for her strength, her faith, her incredible cooking, and the way she brought people together. Her family and friends will carry her memory forward with gratitude for the many ways she enriched their lives.

Rutha Mae will be deeply missed by all.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 7th, 2025 from 9am-10am with a funeral home service starting at 10am in the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave. Lincoln. Burial will follow in Pawtuxet Memorial Cemetery, Warwick RI.