Loretta Ludwig

Loretta Ludwig, 87, of St. Louis, passed away in the early hours of Friday, May 31st, as a result of complications from surgery to repair her broken hip. Her family never far from her side, and emboldened by her unshakeable Catholic faith, she left this world to claim her rightful place in heaven. The proud daughter of Irish immigrants who settled in St. Louis in the late 1800's, Loretta Hayden and her six siblings were native sons and daughters of University City, which she very affectionately referred to as "a shanty Irish neighborhood." All four of the Hayden brothers served in the United States Armed Forces. Their service to their country not only drew deep admiration from Loretta, but would also lead her to her loving husband, Richard Ludwig, whom she met when he joined her brother Bill on weekend liberty from Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Richard and Loretta were engaged on Labor Day weekend, 1952, and married soon thereafter on Valentine's Day, 1953. The Ludwigs were blessed with their first child, Frank, in February 1954. 1955 would see Loretta triumph over a six month battle with tuberculosis, after which she was advised by her doctors to not risk having any more children. Never one to be bossed around by anyone, Loretta would persevere to achieve her dream of a large, loving family, producing four more children in the process. A devoted and driven mother, Loretta began working night shifts to help contribute to the household. At midnight Richard would bring her home en route to his job, so that she might grab a few precious hours of sleep before rising to be with the children. Her profound sacrifice for the benefit of her family never went unnoticed, or unappreciated. By the 1960's, with her children older and in school, Loretta was able to juggle a more traditional daytime work schedule. She began a job as an administrative assistant with the American Theatre during the winter months, and the Municipal Opera from May to September each year. Loretta worked diligently to become a ticket seller for both Cardinal franchises, and was eventually elected President of the Local 774, a title she retained until her passing. Serving her coworkers in this capacity was a crowning achievement for Loretta, who remained a proud, Irish, pro-union Democrat until the day she died. Loretta retired from the Saint Louis Cardinals ticket office in 2008 after 20 years with the organization, universally regarded as an icon of the franchise's administration. After retirement Loretta found her greatest joy spending time with her growing family, relinquishing the duties of "Madam President" as she settled comfortably into the role of "Grandma." She lovingly devoted her attention to 40 years of Sunday dinners, welcoming all comers into her home for a delicious meal, to bask in her warmth, and if they were lucky, to sample her killer cheesecake. Loretta remained active in her bowling league from 1960 until 2002, and would vigorously cheer on any hometown team that happened to be in season. She delighted her family and friends with her charming spirit, and would routinely leverage that charm to turn a "trip to Schnuck's," into a trip to the boat, or to her favorite bingo hall, The Bandwagon. A faithful parishioner of St. George and a devout Irish Catholic, Loretta provided a supreme example for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and anyone fortunate enough to call her friend. The loving family she leaves behind is her proudest legacy. She was very deeply loved, and she will be very sorely missed. Loretta is survived by her children; sons Frank and Richard Ludwig (Kathleen); daughters Mary Carter (Greg) and Theresa Walsh (Tom); grandchildren Robert Ludwig (Jennifer), Tina Ross (Charlie), Thomas, Michelle Endsley (Sean), and Meghan; great grandchildren Joseph, Victoria, Brendan, Lorali, and Matthew; beloved beagle Patrick Joseph. Preceded in death by her husband Richard Ludwig; parents, Patrick and Mary Hayden; brothers James, Francis, Patrick, William; sisters Winifred and Marjorie; and son Thomas Glenn Ludwig. Memorial donations in Loretta's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Tuesday, June 4, 2019
04:00 pm - 08:30 pm
John L. Ziegenhein & Sons City Chapel
7027 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, Missouri
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
09:30 am -
St. John Paul II Catholic Church
4980 Heege Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63128