Barbara Ludwick

Barbara Jean Ludwick, age 75, of York, NE, died Thursday morning, October 8, 2009, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born June 15, 1934 at York to Paul and Helen (Cunningham) Geis. Barbara attended St. Joseph Catholic School for elementary and high school.

She was a proud graduate of Duchesne College in Omaha and cherished her many lasting friendships from her years at Duchesne. Barbara used her degree in home economics education to become an Adult Living Instructor at York High School. Her years at York High brought about an enduring passion for increasing awareness and prevention of drug and alcohol abuse and was instrumental in the creation of the YCIA – York Community in Action. YCIA was formed in January of 1984 to help increase awareness of chemical abuse in the community. It was because of her efforts with YCIA that Barbara was named the recipient of the 1986 “Outstanding Community Service Award” given annually by the York Area Chamber of Commerce. Her work in the area of drug and alcohol abuse extended to state level efforts by making various presentations around the state and serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Council to Prevent Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Houses of Hope.

In 1986, Barbara married Thomas Ludwick. Barb and Tom spent eleven years together. Although their time together was short, it was the most joyous and adventurous years of her life. Barb and Tom most enjoyed traveling and spending time at their northern Minnesota lake home with grandkids, and numerous friends and family.

Barbara is survived by two sons and three daughters: Bret (Jo) Burnham of York and their two daughters, Lindsay and Mattie; Bart Burnham of Kearney, MO and his son, Sean (Ashley); Becky (Terry) Van Housen of Polk, NE and their son, James and daughter, Katie; Bobbie Burnham of Minneapolis, MN; and Brenda (John) Myers of Agoura Hills, CA and their daughter Stella. She is survived by two sisters, Mary Francis (Gary) Storer of Arthur, NE and their five sons and Dalyce Stauber of Redmond, WA and her four sons. She is survived by one brother, Stuart (Gail) Geis of York and their son and two daughters. Family was of the highest priority in Barbara’s life and she was committed to maintaining close relationships with her siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Ludwick, both parents, Paul and Helen Geis and brother, John Geis.

Services will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, York, NE. There will be a family only graveside blessing at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. A rosary will be said at 7 pm on Tuesday, October 13 at the Metz Chapel in York. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the Friendship Homes of Lincoln, NE or the Houses of Hope of Lincoln, NE.