Ruby Mae Keokuk, 92, of Waldorf, Maryland, peacefully entered eternal rest on May 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on February 1, 1934, in Washington, DC, Ruby lived a long and beautiful life filled with faith, joy, and devotion to family. She was the daughter of Reuben Wilson Anderson and Willie Mae Summers and was raised in Clifton Forge, Virginia.

In her early years, Ruby worked as a seamstress and in window display and retail stores, where her creativity, strong work ethic, and warm personality left a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike. She took great pride in her work and had a special talent for making things beautiful and welcoming. A devoted caregiver throughout her career, Ruby dedicated her life to helping and comforting others with compassion and kindness. Her gentle heart and caring spirit made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Twenty-seven years ago, after being placed in hospice care during her battle with multiple myeloma caner, she made a remarkable recovery that was seen by many as a miracle and a blessing from God. Through her strong faith, prayer, and love and support of family, she not only survived but went on to enjoy many more blessed years of life. Those years became a true gift to her family and friends, and she lived with gratitude, grace, and a strong spirit.

Ruby will be remembered for her warm spirit, strong faith, and the joy she brought to those around her. She had a special way of making people feel at home, cared for, and loved. One of her greatest passions was shooting pool. She loved the game, the friendly competition, and the time spent laughing and making memories with family and friends around the pool table. Whether she was lining up the perfect shot or simply enjoying the company of others, pool brought her happiness throughout her life.

She also loved dancing and listening to music, especially the songs from Lou Rawls, including “Lady Love,” and Floyd Cramer’s “Last Date,” often filling her home with rhythm and warmth. She frequently visited the Richard R. Clark Senior Center in LaPlata, Maryland, where she enjoyed socializing and proudly participated in a dance group that brought her great happiness and friendships. In her later years, she found great joy in traveling and creating special memories with loved ones along the way.

Her hands were rarely still, as she found comfort and creativity in crocheting, making treasured gifts for those she loved. Most of all, her faith was her foundation. She spent many peaceful hours reading her Bible and drawing strength from her relationship with God. She cherished time with her family and created a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. Her kindness, wisdom, and gentle presence touched everyone who knew her.

Ruby is survived by her children, Robert Keokuk, II (Denise), Alleta Maria Keokuk, Chavella Keokuk, Watosia Keokuk (Joyce), and Joby Keokuk (Therese); her grandchildren, Sabrina Keokuk-Conway (Collin), Charles Keokuk (Jacqueline), and Samantha Rose Watkins; great-grandchildren, Keenan Keokuk, Chief Keokuk, and Nasir Keokuk; her siblings, Olivia Jones, Sylvia Walker (Jeff), and Renee Price; and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her family, she leaves behind her cherished friend Jacqueline Chester (James) whom she loved and raised as family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Keokuk, Jr.; her son, Minyon “Tweedy” Keokuk; her father, Reuben Wilson Anderson; mother, Willie Mae Summers; and sister, Ann Lingham.

To her daughter Chavella, Ruby was more than a mother — she was her steady guide and source of unconditional love. Chavella tenderly shared that “My memory of my mama from 27-years ago when the doctor told us that she had 6-months to live. I prayed to God not to take her because we were not ready for her to leave us. Fast forward my recent visit – we took a journey that will stay with me forever. Together we laughed, found peace, joy, and happiness — this was a blessing for us both. May she rest in heavenly peace.”

To her daughter Alleta, Ruby was sunshine with a side of sass. Alleta lovingly shares that “I know that you were on this earth for 92 years, however, now that I’m older, I realize the journey you embarked was one that required a certain kind of determination to bring oneself together. Some of us don’t come into this world with a certainty that everything is going to be alright.

Mom was a strong woman who was gonna make it alright. It got her where she wanted to be. During my weekly visits, Mom would tell me to “keep God first.” She would tell me that she was going to walk “because with God, anything is possible.” I would roll my eyes and smile while walking alongside her riding in her power wheelchair on our afternoon strolls. Afterwards, she couldn’t wait to go back inside to her favorite spot, her bedroom – all while getting back in the bed and saying “there’s no place like home.” When it was time for me to leave and head home, she’d say “don’t forget – bring me a Mane, (she was saying man).” I would laugh and say OK with a smile on my face. Later on, when I was home, I would view the security cameras and she would be getting in and out of that wheelchair! Rolling around the living room, kitchen, spare bedroom, and back to her spot — she was supposed to be in bed. My nerves said, “get somebody else to do it, she is not going to give me a heart attack…I’m done with that camera!” Joby would be on the camera screaming, “Rooster, get back in that bed!” Ruby would say, “you don’t tell me what to do, I’m your mother!” Ha — seemed reasonable to me, who am I to argue with that logic? Mom was an individual who didn’t take “no” for an answer.

Mom received Jesus as her Lord and Savior early on in her life and we thank you Heavenly Father for giving us free Will to do so. She knew that she had God in her corner regardless of what anybody else thought. In her final days, he showed her and our family his favor.

I was able to get closer to her, to see why and who she was in those 92 years, and to appreciate the person that she became. Thank you Mom for showing me what strength is!!”

On Friday, May 22, 2026, visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 8816 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach, Maryland, with funeral Mass to begin at 11:00AM. Interment will follow at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery, 4970 Strauss Avenue, Indian Head, Maryland.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the medical team and staff at the Charles County Hospice of the Chesapeake, Waldorf, MD, who provided comfort and care during Ruby’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ruby’s honor to the Hospice of the Chesapeake (Charles County) in recognition of their compassion and support. Donations can be mailed to their foundation office: Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation, John & Cathy Belcher Campus, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 or online using the following link: https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/.

Though deeply missed, Ruby’s legacy of faith, love, kindness, laughter, and joy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.