Anna Catherine (Cat) Ralph, 94, passed away at home on Friday, June 19, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born on September 3, 1931 in Taylor Mines, Ky, to the late Ellis and Lorene Nance. She was a loving daughter, mother, Grandma and “Gigi” who fiercely loved and cherished her family, especially those great grandbabies. She retired on disability after working at G.E. for over twenty years. When those grandchildren came along, she became the ultimate babysitter and playmate. She taught the grands to play army, poker, and even catch a baseball! Ice cream and vanilla wafers were always available with loving arms always ready for a huge hug. The great-grandchildren delighted her in later life. The laughter and running throughout the house, in fact, kept her alive and smiling. She even learned to love all the animals running in the house, especially her elderly companion, “Pugsley.”
Cat was a proud member of the Owensboro Noon Optimist Club as was her husband, Rudy. She enjoyed attending Whitesville Christian Church where her son-in-law serves as Pastor. Her favorite TV watching included Gunsmoke, Jimmy Swaggart, UK Basketball and Baseball, and the New York Mets, whenever Sean Manaea was pitching!
Mom loved her children and always encouraged and supported them in any endeavors. She was their greatest champion, but didn’t hesitate to point that “crooked” finger at you if you got out of line. Although she said she loved her children equally, we jokingly know there was a “Prodigal Son” among us!! Mom’s love and support will sustain us until we see her again in Heaven. Her greatest wish would be that all of us learn to trust and lean on Jesus. She did and experienced His comfort and love until she joined Him in Heaven.
In addition to her parents, Cat is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Harry (Rudy) Ralph, brothers, Clemen Nance and Wendell Nance.
She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Hedges (Brian) and son, Mike Ralph (Kim). She is also survived by grandchildren, Chris Hedges (Mikayla), Jon Hedges (Alivia), Taylor Ralph (Ann-Marie), and Beth Anne Bormann (Jordan). Seven beautiful great-grandchildren also survive her: JP, Jasper, Jensen, Rosanna, Alani, Axel, and Zadie Hedges; brother, Roger Nance (Jeanetta); sisters-in-law, Ada Lou Nance and Donna Faye Hawn; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will follow in Ralph Cemetery in Ohio County. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to Whitesville Christian Church, P.O. Box 81, Whitesville, KY 42378, Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301, or Ralph Cemetery Fund, 1131 Castlewood Place, Owensboro, KY 42303.