Former Queen of South striker Alexander Burke sunk his old mates with a deflected goal five minutes before the interval.
He had proved a constant thorn with the Queen of South defenders throughout the match, creating chances for his team-mates.
His goal came just five minutes before the break at a time when the hot sunshine had slowed the tempo of the match.
He ran onto a cross from the right and hit a left-foot drive which was deflected by Queen's central defender Jim Thomson.
Doonhamers had really been toiling up to that stage and their only real effort had been a shot from Steve Bowey which keeper Stuart Garden did well to turn round the post.
County might have made their lead bigger before the break when Gary McSwegan was left with a chance just ten yards out but hit the ball well over.
Burke posed a threat when he chipped the ball from the edge of the box and saw it go just wide.
Queen's were unlucky when keeper Garden was beaten by Brian McLaughlin but Mark McCulloch headed clear from the line.
The keeper then saved well at point-blank range from Thomson and Chris Armstrong came close with a powerful header. Ross County were unlucky not to add to their lead in the final minutes when sub David Winters rattled the bar.