Ima Jean Cook Ralph

Ima Jean Cook Ralph, 92, of Hamburg, a loving wife, mother and Mammaw, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025 in Monroe, Louisiana, surrounded by her loved ones. Born April 19, 1933 on the Bonne Idee in Bonita Louisiana, she moved to Hamburg in 1952 when she married the love of her life, Harrison "Bub" Ralph. Together they built a loving home and life together, literally board by board, while raising their two children, Rhonda and Jimbo. She was a devoted member of Gardner Baptist Church for many years and a loving homemaker for her family. One thing was guaranteed in the Ralph home, the dinner table was always full. Whether surrounded by friends for an evening of Rook or by family for regular Sunday Dinners, she doted on those she loved the most by keeping their bellies full.  In 1987, she became "Mammaw" when her first granddaughter, Jeanie, was born and again in 1990, when Dora "Squeak" came along. As a Mammaw, she doted on her granddaughters by sewing beautiful dresses and costumes, and filling their hope chest with heirlooms for their futures.  Ima Jean, or "Imie" as friends knew her, spent her life as a doer.  She was her husband's right hand for many projects, their travels to Michigan and Mountain View, camping and fishing at Longview. She was known for her intricate crocheting, her masterful quilting and she found pride in sewing clothes for her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Harrison "Bub" Ralph in 1999; her son, James Lamar "Jimbo" Ralph in 2020; her parents, James Ezra and Edna Earl Herrington Cook; six brothers, Glen Cook, Pelza Cook, Horace Cook, Kenneth Cook, Ray Cook and Marion Cook and two sisters, Maxine Gates and Virginia Wells.  Known for her quiet and gentle presence, she was the strong glue that held her family together after the passing of her husband and son. We find solace in knowing that they were waiting for her when she made it to Heaven's gates.

She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Cook and her husband, Brad, of Monroe, Louisiana; her two granddaughters, Jeanie Ralph of Little Rock and Dora Ralph of Rogers; her second daughter, Susie Bolin of Crossett; her sister, Mary Hogan of Crossett and her faithful friend, Dian Ricks.  Those she leaves behind will cherish her memory in the recipes passed down through her hands, keepsakes created by love and the solid foundation of faith she instilled in them.  She will be dearly missed.  The family would like to thank Elara Caring Hospice for all of the love and care they gave to Mrs. Ralph this past year.

Funeral services are 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at the Gardner Baptist Church with Bro. Robin Allen officiating.  Burial will be in the Beech Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers are Charlie Hogan, Russell Dale Maxwell, David Ricks, John Sanderlin, Wayne Gates and Charles Cook. Honorary pallbearers are Denny Byrd, Royce Bowden and Jimmy Horn. Memorials may be made to the Beech Creek Cemetery Association, c/o Jan Dawson, 161 Todd Moffatt Road, Hamburg, AR 71646.

Visitation will be 9:30 - 10 a.m., Tuesday at the church.