MIAMI — Rutha Mae Sanders-Simpkins died Tuesday, May 4, 2010, in Miami. She was 73.

Mrs. Sanders-Simpkins was born in Bovina to Fred and Louisa Lacy Sanders. She was reared in Warren County.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, James Simpkins; four children, Charles Sanders, Carolyn Christopher, Felix Simpkins and Vanessa Tillman, all of Miami; two sisters, Elizabeth Sanders of Vicksburg and Tethel Bridge of Gary, Ind.; and 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Gregg L. Mason Funeral Home of Miami, 305-757-9000, has charge of arrangements.