Ruby Lee

Ruby Wong Lee, age 100, of Rockville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Toisan, China, Ruby immigrated to the United States and helped lay the foundation for a thriving family and a strong community presence in Washington, D.C.’s Chinatown.

Together with her beloved husband, Raymond Lee, Ruby built a life filled with purpose, hard work, and generosity. They launched a successful wholesale hand laundry business and later opened Ruby Restaurant, fondly known as “A Gem in the Heart of Chinatown.” The restaurant became a cherished gathering place for friends, neighbors, and generations of families. Ruby and Raymond were proud supporters of the Chinese Youth Club and remained deeply committed to giving back to the community they called home.

Ruby was admired not only for her courage and resilience but also for her warmth, grace, and unwavering devotion to her loved ones. She played an instrumental role in helping many family members immigrate to the United States, dedicating herself to their futures with open-hearted determination. She juggled the demands of a family business while raising children and nurturing her growing family—all with selflessness and strength.

Ruby is survived by her children, William and Mary; her grandchildren, Cheryl, Christopher, Nicholas, and Michael; and her great-grandchildren, DJ, Charlie, Zoey, Brian, Evan, Jannica, William, and Jackson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Lee; her daughter, Betty Thompson; and her brother and sister.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home in Silver Spring, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruby’s memory to the Chinese Youth Club, 10410 Montgomery Avenue, #888, Kensington, MD 20895.

Ruby Wong Lee’s spirit, love, and legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and all who had the honor of knowing her.