Barbara Ludwig

Barbara “Jean” Ludwig, 87, of Van Wert, returned to meet her Lord at 7:43 AM on March 24 following a year-long battle with cancer. Her devotion to God and family supported her in her battle and ultimately provided her with peace.

Jean was born December 14, 1930 to the late Samuel “Paul” Hertel and the late Sadie Glee Medaugh. Following her Mother’s early death, Paul Hertel remarried the late Ruth Alice Walser who became “Mom,” and then “Grandma” to Jean’s children.

Jean graduated from Ohio City-Liberty High School, and married Richard L. Ludwig in 1951. He preceded her in death in 1995. Jean earned her bachelors of science in nursing from Purdue, becoming a registered nurse at age 54. She volunteered with Red Cross and continued to work part-time at Crisis Care Line domestic shelter in Van Wert until her diagnosis last year.

Jean was a devoted member of Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert, having made missionary trips to Brazil and Mexico as part of her devotion to God. She was also an avid flower gardener and could be found lovingly tending to flowers on most suitable days.

She is survived by her children Karen (Paul) Billick of Bowling Green, OH, Dianne Ludwig of Williston, VT, Steven (Kimberly) Ludwig of Aurora, OH, and Brenda Ludwig of Hugo, MN. She is also survived by nine Grandchildren, one step-grandchild, eight great-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandchild.

She is preceded in death by a brother, Donald Hertel.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, March 29 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert with Pastor Clark Williman officiating. Friends will be received from noon until service time at the funeral home.

Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Preferred memorials may be made to Crisis Care Line in Van Wert, or Cleveland Clinic Memorial Giving.