Mrs. Queen was born August 4, 1921 in Lincoln County, NC a daughter of the late Tom and Bryte Carpenter Howell.  Mrs. Queen was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Hickory and the Women’s Bible Class.  Ruth’s family meant everything to her and she was so treasured by her children and grandchildren.  She always made each one feel special and gave so much of herself to them.  Her happiest days were with her family anytime but especially on holidays, at the beach, and at Howell reunions.  This was a wonderful woman who was so very nice, generous, caring, self sacrificing and devoted to her family in all that she did and all that she was and she always greeted you with a smile on her face.  Our precious Mother, we love you so dearly.  We will see you again.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving family, daughter, Sandra “Chi Chi” Tourtellot and husband Bill of Weddington; son Hal E. Queen and wife Rita of Charlotte; grandchildren, Billy Tourtellot and wife Jeanne of Greensboro, Rich Tourtellot and wife Pam of Cary, Beth Tourtellot Snider and husband Charles of Indian Trail, Hal Queen, III and wife Lesley, Emily Queen, Laura Queen, David Queen, Daniel Queen and wife Rachel all of Charlotte, Amy McSparin and husband Pete of Lexington and Rebekah Berger and husband Matt of Atlanta, GA, 15 great grandchildren, four step-great grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren and two step-great-great grandchildren.  Also surviving are her sister Velma Sain of Shelby, childhood friend and sister-in-law Thelma Sellers of Cherryville, Willie Sue Howell of Cherryville, Betty Howell of Lincolnton and so many very special nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 5, 2011 at 11:00a.m. at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Cherryville with the Rev. Roy T. Byers officiating.  The body will be placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the service.

The family will greet friends following the service.

Burial will be in Bethlehem United Methodist Church Cemetery, Cherryville.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, c/o Doris Wilson, 147 Latham Wilson Rd., Lawndale, NC 28090.

A guest register is available at www.stameyfuneralhome.com

Stamey~Cherryville Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Queen.