Ralph Clarence Cook, the second son of Clarence and Beulah (Metzger) Cook, was born on Aug. 30, 1942, near Lima, Ohio. He moved with his family to Indiana in 1945. Ralph graduated from Lapel High School in 1960.

In the late 1960s, he moved from Indiana to Modesto, California, and drove a semi-truck cross country for many years. He had lived and worked in Indianapolis, Indiana, over the last 40 years.

He was baptized in 1958 and enjoyed fellowshipping with Christian believers and learning more from God's Word throughout his life. He was gifted with musical ability, especially the gift of singing, which he exercised to encourage people over the years, even up to and including his hospitalization in the last week of his life. He was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, "for it is the power of God unto salvation." In recent weeks, when asked, "How are you?", he stated, "I am great! But the tabernacle I am living in is getting more uncomfortable."

He left his earthly tabernacle and exchanged time for eternity on April 7, 2025, at the age of 82 years. He was preceded in death by his father in 2000; his mother in 2005; four brothers and a sister, Donald, Harry, Harold, Stanley and Carolyn Sills.

He is survived by his brother, Everett and wife Ragena; his sister, Miriam Aaron; in-laws, Laura Cook and Martha Meador; and nephews and nieces including Leah Riffey, Lowell Cook, Galen Cook, Emma Cook, Nathan Cook; Sara Miller, Rachel Kinzie, Susan King, Rosalie Baker; Adrian Coverdale, Chad Cook, Amy Gilbert and Wesley Cook; as well as following generations' nephews and nieces; one aunt, Mildred Garber; and many cousins, friends and dear neighbors.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Old German Baptist Church, located at the intersection 400 South and 600 West in Pendleton with Elder Daniel Bowman officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, located at Ind. 38 and 625 West in Pendleton.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Bozell Funeral Homes, Lapel Chapel, 1010 N. Main St., Lapel.

Online condolences may be shared at www.bozellfuneralhomes.com.