Ralph Cherry Ingram, Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ralph Cherry Ingram, Jr., will be held Friday, May 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Natchitoches, LA, with Very Rev. John O'Brien, V.F., as celebrant. Burial will follow at the American Cemetery in Natchitoches under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 29 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with the recitation of the Holy Rosary being at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Ingram, 86, passed away peacefully May 27, 2025, in Natchitoches, LA, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born October 14, 1938, in Alexandria, LA, and reared on his family's farm in Boyce with his parents Ralph Cherry Ingram, Sr., and Mary Alice Scholz Ingram, and his brothers John Malcolm and Neal Mason Ingram.

Ralph earned his degree in Agriculture Business from Louisiana State University, graduating in May 1963. While at LSU, he met the love of his life, Frances Lucile Williams. The two were married on August 24, 1963, beginning a beautiful and enduring marriage. In 2013 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family cruise where they repeated their wedding vows in front of their children and grandchildren.

After serving in the army, Ralph returned to Natchitoches to develop Cedar Grove Plantation and expand into various successful ventures. He was instrumental in the creation of several subdivisions including Payne, Southwood, and Deer Park. He also founded and expanded Cedar Grove RV and Boat Storage into a facility with over 130 units.

Ralph's favorite pastime was to admire Cedar Grove in his very loved dirt-covered Mahindra Roxor. He was always contemplating what he would do next to improve the land. In his spare time, he was traveling in his motorhome to Silverton, Colorado; Branson, Missouri; and other U.S. destinations. Ralph and Lucile traveled overseas from the Arctic to South Africa, and all places in between. Their travels were never-ending and usually involved their children. Ralph was sociable and made many acquaintances during his travels, creating connections globally due to his friendliness.

In addition to his business ventures, Ralph served his church and community in numerous organizations including the Natchitoches Jaycees, Vocation Club, Knight of the Grand Cross - Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, President - Louisiana Ginners Association, Member of the Board of Trustees of the LAC Self Insurance Fund, President - Louisiana Pecan Association, President - Natchitoches Parish Beef Association, Delegate - National Cotton Convention, Vice- President and President - Natchitoches Parish Red River Port, Officer - Cotton Storage, Inc., Board Member - Valley Farmers Co-op, and parishioner - The Minor Basilica of The Immaculate Conception, and Krewe of Dionysos.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Cherry Ingram, Sr., and Mary Alice Scholz Ingram, and his brother John Malcolm Ingram.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances Lucile Ingram, his five children, Ralph Henry Ingram (Jane), Dr. Christopher Lee Ingram (Cathy), Dr. Mary Lucile Ingram Long (Jimmy), Dr. Claudia Michelle Ingram Mayeux (Christopher), and Dr. Cherry Elizabeth Ingram Horton (Leland). He is also survived by his eighteen grandchildren: Hailey Melle Ingram Mitchell, Andrew Henry Ingram (Layne), Rachel Marie Ingram Williamson (David), Timothy Christopher Ingram, Daniel Ralph Ingram; Catherine Frances Ingram Florez (Marcus), Gabrielle Lee Ingram Roberts (Logan), Ellen Elizabeth Ingram Mire (Dylan); Elizabeth Lucile Long, Mary Grace Long, Anne Michelle Long; Holly Michelle Mayeux, Stephen Anthony Mayeux, William Ingram Mayeux, Matthew Ralph Mayeux; Emily Elizabeth Horton, Alexander Gray Horton, and Ethan Lee Horton, as well as six great-grandchildren: Adalyn Clarke Mitchell, Silas George Williamson, Henry Josiah Williamson, Maddox Taylor Roberts, Alex Christopher Florez, and Ralph Joseph Mire.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are eight grandsons: Andrew, Timothy, and Daniel Ingram; Stephen, William, and Matthew Mayeux; and Alex and Ethan Horton.

Honorary pallbearers are James Maxey, Karlton Methvin, Frank Torres, and Reginald Metoyer.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation for the exceptional care provided Ralph by the staff at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, Louisiana Extended Care Hospital of Natchitoches, Christus-St. Frances Cabrini and Christus-Highland Medical Center. We extend our gratitude to Dr. Anil Matta, Dr. Alfred Ajise, Dr. Bill Ball, Dr. Gene Otuonye and Dr. Rodney Reeves for their outstanding medical attention and personal care offered to our father, husband, and grandfather. Special thanks to Kirk Soileau and associates at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Mary's Catholic School.