Who is Ralph's Mother from Shaking the Nickel Bush and what is their importance?

Ralph's mother is a widow who raises several children on her own. Ralph is her oldest son, and she depends on him to make money to help care for the family. When Ralph is forced to go west for his health, his mother is left with only a younger brother to help pay the bills. As a result, Ralph sends his mother long letters filled with lies about a new job in order to protect her from the fact he cannot find one.