Mary Ellen Ludwig

Mary Ellen Ludwig 1937-2021 Mary Ellen Ludwig, 84, of Forreston, died Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Generations at Neighbors in Byron. Mary Ellen was born October 16, 1937 to Ted and Faith (Miller) Knodle. She married the love of her life, Norman L. Ludwig on January 14, 1956. Mary Ellen cherished her days working alongside Norm on the farm, raising their three sons, shaping them into the hardworking men they are today. Mary Ellen enjoyed family history and left meticulous notes describing some of the antiques which have been passed onto future generations. She was a talented seamstress, sewing and mending her boys' clothing along with doing alterations for many people in the community. She also loved to quilt and made several complicated quilts for her family. She canned, cooked and baked, keeping everyone well fed. Every meal Mary Ellen made was delicious, but her carrot cake was more than memorable as was her colorful cupboard of leftover labels. Her grandchildren were read to, sang to, given sewing lessons and allowed to sell the family sweet corn under her watchful eye. Many memories were made gathered around the dining room table, playing games and watching the traffic go by in the front yard. Mary Ellen laughed often, and so did others around her as she shared anecdotes, stories and her funny sayings. She made everyone feel at home. She loved her husband, her kids, her grandkids and her friends. She was one of a kind. Mary Ellen was generous with her time and volunteered as a youth leader at her church, Forreston United Methodist Church, was active with the local girl scout troop and served for many years as an election judge. She and Norm both enjoyed playing cards and fishing. They also sold collectible odds and ends, tools and crocks at Autumn on Parade for many years. Surviving Mary Ellen are Jeff (Patti) Ludwig, of Byron, their children Caitlin (Adam) Pusateri, Marin and Rowan Pusateri; Nick (Tara) Ludwig, Remmer and Lou Ludwig; Elizabeth Ludwig; Dave (Sue) Ludwig of Forreston and their children Ryan (Mandy) Ludwig, Aryanna Martel, Robby (Lindsay) Ludwig, Elle, Emery, and Presley Ludwig; Ted Ludwig of Webster, Minnesota and his children Kristy (Matt) Nokes, Nikki (Kyle) Darst, Jack and Leo Darst, brother-in-law, Marv Miller of Mt. Morris, many nieces and nephews and special friend, Sandy Hoffman. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Norman, her parents, and her sister, Janette. Mary Ellen's life will be celebrated at 11:00 am Saturday, December 4th at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston with Pastor Sung-Eun Kim officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 until time of service. Covid guidelines will be in place during the visitation and service. Burial will be in Haldane Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at Generations at Neighbors and Serenity Hospice and Home for the care they gave to Mary Ellen. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be established at a later date. Previous Events Visitation DEC 4. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CT) Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home- Forreston 203 S. 3rd Ave Forreston, IL 61030 https://burketubbs.com Loading map Service DEC 4. 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM (CT) Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home- Forreston 203 S. 3rd Ave Forreston, IL 61030 https://burketubbs.com Loading map