Anita Alvarez-Ludington

Anita Jo Alvarez-Ludington, age 85, passed away in San Diego, California, on March 21, 2025. She was born on May 30, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Joseph Anthony and Mildred Caroline Alvarez (née Auer).

Anita was the eldest of four children, growing up in St. Louis, where her love for music blossomed. She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1957, earning an academic scholarship to Avila College in Kansas City, Missouri. Showcasing her dedication and intellect, she graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a minor in Music, becoming a proficient and award-winning organist.

Her professional life quickly excelled, beginning as a chemist at the St. Louis County Health Department, where she worked on an important environmental safety project that protected public health: testing for Strontium-90 (S-90), an airborne radioactive isotope in the city water and food supplies. Later, she applied her chemistry expertise as a Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) pharmaceutical representative.

In 1975, Anita relocated to San Diego, California, near her sisters, Andy and Bobbie. Here, she met and married Vergil Ludington. Together, they were devoted members of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California, where Vergil served as an usher.

Anita's passion for music was a lifelong pursuit. She began piano lessons in her youth, participating in numerous recitals, and progressed to her true passion, the organ. She was the organist at St. Patrick's Catholic Church (St. Louis) for many years. She also played for several churches of multiple denominations around St. Louis and later in the San Diego area. She possessed a vast classical music record collection, with the personal goal of listening to every classical work.

With such talent, Anita had a variety of interests and pursuits, particularly with her flair for fashion. This talent was nurtured from a young age, as she fondly recalled her mother crafting a stunning light green prom gown for her, embellished with silver embroidery. Anita inherited her mother's sewing skills, developing a keen eye for design and a love for beautiful things. She enjoyed designing and sewing dazzling outfits for herself and her loved ones.

She looked forward to traveling to Mexico and shopping for semi-precious jewelry with her dear friend, Sue Rader. Her style featured her love of glitzy and glamorous rings that complemented her colorful clothing.

Anita's sharp intellect and impeccable memory matched her love of meaningful conversation. A dedicated reader, she found inspiration in Dr. David Jeremiah's writings and nurtured her faith through daily Bible study.

In her free time, she maintained a lifelong friendship with Susie Campbell, her college roommate from Kansas City, Missouri. Anita also had a passion for politics and her country, and could often be found watching Fox News and keeping apprised of the latest in professional golf. With a compassionate heart, she truly loved her pets.

She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Anthony and Mildred Caroline Alvarez, and her beloved dogs, Daisy and Buddy.

Anita is survived by her husband, Vergil Ludington; her siblings, Don Alvarez, Adrienne (Andy) Kotner, and Roberta (Bobbie) Mattingly; her nieces and nephews, Donna Alvarez (Leigh), Darla Alvarez, Steve Alvarez, Joshua Kotner, Kelly Kotner-Jones, Sean Mattingly, and Melissa Mattingly; and her beloved dog, Momo.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025,10:00 AM at the Shadow Mountain Community Church, 2100 Greenfield Dr., El Cajon, CA 92019.

Anita will be remembered for her kindness, intelligence, musical talent, creativity, and love for her Savior, Jesus Christ.