Stephen Ludt

1942 - 2024

Stephen Geoffrey Ludt, a great soul, departed this life from his Saltillo residence on Saturday, November 30, 2024. He was 82 years old. He was born on April 24, 1942, in White Plains, NY, to Mary Rita Clune Ludt and Rudolph Edward Ludt, and grew up in Tarrytown, NY. Steve, as his friends and family knew him, lived a life rich in love, faith, and service. Steve loved animals and the outdoors, and delighted in hiking, skiing, and gardening. Steve was a talented pianist and a lover of music, often filling the living room with the sounds of ragtime piano tunes.

Steve earned his bachelor's degree from Lehigh University and went on to earn a Master's of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. Steve began his career at Singer Corporation in Manhattan. He later moved to upstate NY with his 1969 transition to begin a decades-long career at Columbian Rope Company. This became the catalyst for his eventual move to Mississippi, and his union with the love of his life, his soulmate, Dianne (Carlock), on August 7, 1982. Their love story began on a cross-country ski trip by Skaneateles Lake, an early date where Steve realized he had found his forever partner. Dianne fondly recalled their first meeting, where a simple job interview turned into a three-hour conversation covering everything but work, including Steve's playful humor about her southern charm.

Steve retired from Columbian Rope Company in 2002, continuing to serve as a consultant until 2023. Steve's deep sense of community spirit was evident throughout his life. In central New York, he volunteered with Unity Acres, Skaneateles Housing Rehabilitation (Skan-a-Pro), and the Austin Park skating rink committee. In Mississippi, he devoted countless hours to service. Steve was a member of the Tupelo Public School District School board from 2003 - 2008. He and his wife Dianne directed many plays for Pied Piper Players in addition to serving on the board. Steve was also a former board member of Tupelo Community Theatre, where he occasionally appeared on stage as well. Steve was a member of Tupelo First United Methodist Church, where he and Dianne volunteered with the youth group and led the confirmation class and taught youth Sunday School for a number of years. Steve also led Adult Discipleship Bible Study. Whether teaching Sunday School, mentoring youth in the confirmation program, or leading adult Bible studies, Steve approached each role with compassion, patience, and dedication, which is how he is remembered by family, friends, and colleagues alike. He was a patient and calm teacher, and you could always count on his wisdom to help solve a problem.

Steve is survived by his wife, Dianne; brother, David Ludt (Lynne); sister, Michelle Ludt; sister-in-law, Sharron Cresap (David); children Christine 'Tina' Mahoney (Mike), Kathy McDonald (Scott), Ingrid Gerst (Carl), David M Ludt (Molly), Tommy Baldwyn (Amy), and Maddie Ludt; grandchildren Madeline Mahoney, Ellie Mahoney, Mary Mahoney, Matthew McDonald, Ryan McDonald, Patrick McDonald, Aidan Loftus, Will Gerst, Sam Gerst, Rudy Baldwyn, Tristan Baldwyn, and Addie Baldwyn; several nieces and nephews, Heidi Arcieri, Becca Roach, Patrick Ludt (Nicole), and Zach Cresap (Jessica); and numerous cousins. Steve was also an animal lover and is survived by his dog, Twix; and cats Dinah and Daisy. He is no doubt enjoying being reunited for a walk with his dog, Snickers, who passed earlier this year.

Steve was preceded in death by many beloved family members including his parents; paternal grandparents Margarete E Schenk Ludt and William H. Ludt; and maternal grandparents John Stephen Clune and Jane Dowling Clune.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo, with private family burial at Euclatubba Cemetery near Saltillo to follow. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Friends will be received at the funeral home beginning at Noon on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to causes dear to Steve's heart: Pied Piper Players, Attn. Misty Cox, P.O. Box 2522, Tupelo, MS 38803; Tupelo Community Theatre, P. O. Box 1094, Tupelo, MS. 38802; or Tupelo-Lee Humane Shelter, P. O. 2143, Tupelo, MS. 38802.

Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving the family.