Mary Ruth Lee Pilkerton, 89 of Mechanicsville, MD died on September 24, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Born on April 10, 1922 in Hillville, MD she was the daughter of the late Edward Newton Lee, Sr., and Myrtle Marie Curry Lee.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Raymond Pilkerton whom she married on June 2, 1973 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Mechanicsville, MD.

She is survived by her step daughter; Rosie Thompson and her husband Donald of Avenue, MD, three grandchildren, four great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. She was the loving sister of Edward N. "Ike" Lee, Jr., John K. "J.K." Lee, all of Mechanicsville, MD and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her step daughter Christine Raley, grandson Kevin Raley, and siblings Bertha Lee Russell, Helen Lee Long and Robert M. "Bobby" Lee.

Mrs. Pilkerton enjoyed spending time with her many friends and family. A graduate of Margaret Brent High School "Class of 1938", she worked as a bank teller for the First National Bank of Arlington, Arlington, VA and the American Security & Trust Bank, Washington, DC before returning to St. Mary's County in 1973.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home chapel where prayers will be recited at 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM in Mt. Zion United Methodist Church with Rev. Ann Strickler officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jamie Abell, Wallace Abell, Mike Lacey, Wayne Raley, Matthew Spalding and Donald Thompson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jay R. Long and Jesse Long.

Contributions may be made to the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 552, Mechanicsville, MD 20650 and/or Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 27108 Mt. Zion Church Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.