WINSLOW — Ruby Marie Reed

of Winslow passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024, at the Circle of Life in Bentonville, Ark. She was born on December 4, 1934, in Winslow to the late Melvin “Pete” Cook and Marlis King.

Ruby grew up during the Great Depression in Winslow, Ark., and showed a resilient spirit from a young age. Leaving home at the age of 14, Ruby embarked on a journey that led her to marriage and motherhood, gave birth to her first child at age 15.

She raised her kids a lot of the time as a single mom and instilled in each of them the love of God and determined spirit.

Ruby was a business owner: Ruby’s Cafe on old Hwy 71- south of Winslow at Mt. Gaylor atop the Boston Mountains where Willie Nelson stopped and ate a few times. The jukebox was playing, and the coffee was hot.

She was known for her steadfast determination and unwavering love for her family. Ruby’s warm smile and kind heart touched the lives of all who knew her. Ruby’s memory will forever be cherished by her loved ones.

She leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and compassion that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Ruby will be dearly missed by her family and a host of friends.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, James Leo Reed of Winslow; several brothers and sisters, Kenneth Cook, Lanora Warren, Robert Cook (Bob), Dewight Cook, Linda Cook and Mary Frances Cook, Doris Yerton, John Mugley, Cathy Warren.

Ruby is survived by five of her six children, Marlis Ruth (Marty) of Tulsa, Okla., Timothy Howard (Tim) of Arkansas, Melvin Glenn (Mel) and Janice of Bella Vista, Ark., John Leroy Higby and Kerie of Saint Paul, Tammy Eugena and John Saferite of Siloam Springs, Ark., and Gladys Marie Higby (deceased); several brothers and sisters, Melvin “Leon” Cook of Hydro, Okla., Joyce McCaslin of Elkins, Ark., William “Hubert” Cook of Creswell, Ore., Roy Dale Cook of Madill, Okla., Brenda Kay Ackley of Grove, Okla., Michael Joe Cook of Lincoln, Ark., and John Wayne Cook of West Fork, Ark.; 18 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Ruby Reed’s Celebration of Life will be held at Christian Life Cathedral Church in Fayetteville, Ark. on March 30th at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are made by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory where online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation. com.