Queen of the Month Spotlight- Queen Mum Ruby Rose

Some stories aren’t defined by a single moment, but by a lifetime of saying yes: to connection, to adventure, and to joy. That is the kind of story that belongs to Queen Mum Ruby Rose.

Born in Lafayette, Indiana, and raised in Southern California, her life has been shaped by both steady determination and a deep appreciation for the moments that matter most. She built a fulfilling career in banking and administrative work, but as she reflects, it was always the people who made it meaningful.

That appreciation for life’s moments shows up beautifully in her creativity. Through sewing, quilting, embroidery, and especially scrapbooking, she has captured decades of memories. Today, she has created 25 scrapbooks: each one filled with laughter, friendship, and the joy of time spent together. For her, it’s never been about how long you know someone, but the bond you share. As she puts it, “The length of time does not matter, it is the Sister bond that is so special.”

Her love story is just as heartfelt, and just as memorable. It began with a last-minute invitation to a Halloween party. He came dressed as a cowboy, and she arrived as an Indian. It was simple, unplanned, and completely unexpected; but sometimes those are the moments that matter most. Over the past 42 years, that one evening turned into a lifetime of love. As she says with a smile, “The rest is history.”

Years later, another invitation would change her life in an entirely different way.

In 2003, she was invited to attend a Red Hat gathering. Curious, and already someone who loved to dress up, she decided to go. Walking into that first event, she was immediately struck by the energy in the room. “You feel fun and warmth with all the smiles and laughter, it is very contagious.”

It was more than just an event it was a feeling. And it stayed with her.

By 2007, she stepped into the role of Queen, not because she was seeking recognition, but because she wanted to create that same sense of joy and belonging for others. She embraced leadership wholeheartedly, sharing, “I enjoy Queenship it entails being a leader, directing chapter activities, she is complete unto herself.”

One of the most defining moments of her Red Hat journey came when she chose, once again, to say yes.

A trip to London.

It was her first time traveling to Europe, and she went on her own. For many, that might have felt intimidating, but she approached it with her signature spirit, saying she simply put on her “Big Girl Panties” and went.

What followed was an unforgettable adventure: watching New Year’s Eve fireworks from a rooftop, walking in the London New Year’s Day Parade, and forming friendships that felt immediate and lasting. It was a perfect reflection of what the Red Hat Society offers: connection without boundaries.

That same spirit is what she brings to her Chapterettes today.

She encourages them to step outside their comfort zones, to try something new, and to truly embrace life. Her advice is simple, but powerful: “Come out and play… try something new… give yourself permission to enjoy life.”

And beyond the fun, she understands the deeper importance of sisterhood: reminding every woman that within this community, she is supported. “They are not alone.”

Her philosophy for life is one she lives every day:
“What comes around goes around. Live your best self every day and always have a smile on your face, it is contagious.”

When you look at her journey, you can see how that belief has guided her.

From a Halloween party that became a 42-year marriage…
To a single invitation that led to decades of sisterhood…
To a brave “yes” that turned into a life-changing adventure…

Her story is not about one defining moment: it’s about a lifetime of choosing joy, again and again.

And if she could leave her fellow sisters with one final thought, it would be this:
“Red Hatting has been one of the best things I have done in my life. Embrace the fun, memories, and friendships. Life is short, enjoy every moment.”