Ruby Geraldine Reese Queen-Simpson, 89,  of Gravette, ascended to Heaven on October 30, 2023. Ruby was born on March 1, 1934, in Gravette, Arkansas. She was the fourth child of Mamie Elizabeth (Elsea) and Robert Lee Reese.

A member of the Gravette High School class of 1952, upon graduation she moved to Joplin, MO, then on to California. While employed at Westinghouse, Ruby met John Marcus Queen Jr. (aka Jack). They were married on November 21, 1953, in San Jose, California. It is there that they made a family and raised them until July 1970, when they relocated to Gravette. After being a full-time wife and mother for over 20 years, she took a job at a local pageant dress factory and was promoted to a supervisory position.

Ruby was a devout Christian. A member of the First Assembly of God Church in Gravette for over 40 years. She served as the church secretary for over 20 years. After the death of her first husband Jack in 1995, Ruby began traveling the world with her lifelong friend (and GHS 1952 classmate) Dorene Wills. Ruby and Dorene went on many great adventures, including Australia. In 2000, she met James P. Simpson, and they were wed on March 9, 2001. Ruby enjoyed singing and writing throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her oldest sister, Juanita; her brother, Robert Jr.; her first husband, John M. Queen Jr.; and her first born child, John M. Queen III.

She is survived by her husband James Simpson; her sisters, Dorthey Allen (Gravette) and Betty Sluik (Avoca); her son, Michael (Monika) Queen Sr.; her daughter, Jacquelyn Queen; daughter-in-law, Helga Queen, all of Gravette; her grandson, Michael (Ellen) Queen Jr. of Bentonville; two granddaughters, Radiance Beltz of Little Rock, and Janet (Brett) Henningsen of Hominy, OK; two great-grandsons, Garek Wadkins of Texarkana and Connor Wadkins of Ada, OK; and a great-great-granddaughter, Rozalin Queen Wadkins of Texarkana.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 p.m. at Bella Vista Funeral Home, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista, AR 72715. Graveside services will be Friday, November 3, 2023, at Daniels Cemetery, Gravette, AR at noon, with Rev. Jack Deaton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Circle of Life, 1201 NE Legacy Pkwy, Bentonville, AR 72712.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.