Lasting Memories

Shirley Ludwig
Oct. 4, 1937-Oct. 11, 2022
Salem, Oregon

Submitted by Joe Terry

A force of love and passion to be reckoned with

On the morning of October 11th, long-time Pleasanton, CA resident, Shirley (Valencia) Ludwig passed peacefully in her sleep and was born into eternity, in Salem, OR. She spent the prior days surrounded by the love, laughter and tears of family and friends. Born October 4th, 1937, in Richmond, CA. The former roller derby queen, bowling and water-skiing enthusiast was affectionately known as "Ducky" to her friends and family and "Grandma Shirley" to her 8 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Grandma Shirley will always be remembered for her infectious laugh and fiery spirit. She loved family gatherings and adventures with her grandkids to places like the San Francisco Zoo, or her favorite seafood joint in San Francisco, Scoma's. Sometimes her road trip adventures would lead to unexpected detours or destinations, however fun was always on the menu.

Ducky cherished, and was proud of, her Portuguese heritage, she loved to laugh, watch football and was quite the cheerleader at all family sporting events! She passionately loved her family and extended family, especially her two sisters: Diane "Tootsie" and Terri. Ducky always up for a family gathering which would give her a reason to dress up and shop for a new outfit. She was the life of the party, feisty, and kind while taking every opportunity to spoil her grandkids.

She enjoyed, and looked forward to, weekends on Kings Island (the Delta) waterskiing and just being crazy with her high school friend, Ardell (Franke) Shelfo and the Shelfo crew.

Shirley worked in a variety of fields including a Donut Shoppe (which her kids loved most!) and enjoyed a long career in bookkeeping. Her work ethic and passion for family was her strength, which she inherited from her mother, Alice (Ornellas) Rietmulder, and affectionately passed to her children.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 Years, Robert Ludwig, sisters; Diane "Tootsie" Valencia, Terri Reitmulder-Knoke, her children; Tanya (Gene) Guy, Tandra (Roy) White, Joe (Katie Parr) Terry and Spencer (Kathy) Greene. Her Grandchildren; Lloyd, Kenna, Kyle, Travis, Chad, Alexa, Kayla, and Genoa. Great Grandchildren; Ellie and Pryce.