Obituary
Virginia R. Ludlow, age 89, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away January 29, 2024 at The Ridge Assisted Living Facility in Lansing with her son and daughter-in-law by her side. Ginny was born September 21, 1934, in Detroit, the oldest daughter of Katherine and Daniel Reed. She was a graduate of Southeastern High School in Detroit, Attended Albion College, and graduated from Wayne State University with a teaching degree. She married Warren Mertens in 1958 and after teaching for several years in the Detroit school system, she left the professional to raise a family in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. She later returned to the workforce as a successful insurance agent for Aid Association for Lutherans. She moved to Lansing, Michigan in 1985 and spent several years working for the U.S. Agricultural Department. Ginny was an exceptional seamstress and volunteered her time for many years making costumes for the Grosse Pointe Theater. She was an active quilt maker at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and spent countless hours knitting socks and slippers for the needy. She is survived by her sons James Mertens, of Houghton, Michigan; Jeffrey Mertens (Mitzi) of Lansing, Michigan; sister Ann Meredith, of Ann Arbor, Michigan; half-sister Ellen Watford of Tryon, N..C.; and beloved niece Kathryn Meredith of Plymouth, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother Elizabeth Reed; her half-brother David Reed; her son, Paul Mertens; and beloved nephew Sumner Meredith. Visitation will be Monday, February 5, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Estes-Leadley Funeral Home, 325 W. Washtenaw Street, Lansing, MI 48933, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Roger Straub officiating. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.
Donations
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lansing, Hospice of Lansing, Ionia Area Hospice and Stoneleigh Residence, 3186 Pine Tree Road, Lansing, MI 48911.