Marcia Ann Nelson Ludlow
December 23, 1945 - December 5, 2017
Marcia Ann Nelson Ludlow passed away at her home in Modesto, California on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 after battling chronic kidney disease for nearly 20 years. She was 71 years old.
Marcia Ann was born on December 23, 1945 in Logan, Utah to Joyce Rich Nelson and Roscoe Maughan Nelson, who on that day was still stationed in Okinawa, Japan after his service as a Marine Corps fighter pilot during the second world war. Marcia Ann dearly loved her brothers Stephen R. Nelson, Richard R. Nelson, Scott M. Nelson, Douglas R. Nelson, and sister Claire Marie Painter.
She came of age in Provo, Utah where she excelled academically, was a state debate champion, and graduated from Brigham Young High School in 1963. She attended Brigham Young University (BYU) and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1968. She became a credentialed high school teacher and proponent of education throughout her life.
It was at BYU that she met the love of her life and as she often said, "her most important gift," Robert C. "Bob" Ludlow. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year, having married in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 31, 1967.
Marcia Ann will be remembered for living a life dedicated to the service of others. In addition to ongoing service to her church and community, she was a prolific writer of thoughtful notes and showed her love to neighbors and friends through homemade cinnamon rolls and pies. She never missed an opportunity to express her love because she was never satisfied with mere acquaintance—every dialysis nurse, hospital orderly or new face at church quickly became a close friend.
She considered motherhood her highest calling and sacred duty. Marcia Ann helped all five of her sons attain the rank of Eagle Scout and her two daughters become accomplished musicians. She relished the time she spent with her grandchildren, hosting tea parties and reminding each of their great worth to her and to a loving God. Her faith in God was truly unshakable and she was a humble disciple of Jesus Christ with her whole soul.
Marcia Ann approached the debilitating kidney disease that dominated the last two decades of her life with discipline, grace, and incredible strength. Despite two generous kidney donations, she was on dialysis for nearly 20 years. The family is incredibly grateful to the many doctors, nurses, technicians, and caregivers who loved and tirelessly attended to her for so many years.
She is survived by her husband Robert C. Ludlow and their seven children: Diane Forsyth (Bruce), Robert N. Ludlow (Marianne), Thomas N. Ludlow (Heather), Nathaniel J. Ludlow (Shannon), Kathleen Sandford (Caleb), Andrew N. Ludlow, Matthew N. Ludlow (Monica). Bob & Marcia Ann have 26 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 9 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (731 El Vista Ave., Modesto, California). Friends may call at the church on Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. She will be interred at Lakewood Memorial Park.
Memorial donations in Marcia Ann's name may be made to the Inherited Kidney Disease Research Fund, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, PO Box 571021, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27157.
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Published by Modesto Bee from Dec. 7 to Dec. 8, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Marcia Ludlow

16 Entries

Frieda White

December 1, 2022

I remember Marcia Ann for her calmness, her kindness and her unfailing faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. Marcia Ann was a warm, caring friend. I love her.

Ronda (former wilkinson)

November 9, 2021

Angel visits ... Late of notice. Memories of Modesto arrived tonight.
My experiences with Marsha came to mind. I was honored with testing for a match in 2001. We had the same O-negative blood type. Then sadly, we were a positive/negative. Marsha, gifted me with a "Peace Plant" ... it is treasured to this day. I think of Lady Marsha regularly.

Joanne

December 15, 2017

I am sorry for your loss.
May the God of comfort be with you at this time.
2 Thessalonians 2:16 & 17
I send my condolences.

Tim Harris

December 11, 2017

I always felt loved in her presence; she is one of the kindest people I have ever known.

Jill Taylor

December 10, 2017

Marcia Ann always made me feel as if I were her best friend . . . I felt so honored, but never really quite worthy enough.

In these recent years she was a pillar of strength to both me and to Richard, as we struggled with Elena's sufferings with leukemia. Each time we returned from helping Elena survive another nightmarish brush with death, Marcia Ann would listen to our experiences and would weep with us, but she would also comfort and encourage us with words of love and faith that can come only from one who has also repeatedly met Death face to face and gracefully turned him away. We would come away from the conversation with renewed courage, hope and clarified understanding.

I originally wrote and sent this to our family four days after the miraculous day when I watched Elena die and be resuscitated (September 20, 2015)the resuscitation team came only because I was there by miraculous and divine appointment and was able to alert the hospital staff that Elena's numbers are dropping and she feels light-headed.

2 Kings 20:1-6

Hezekiah is told he will die and pleads with the Lord; his life is lengthened fifteen years--The shadow goes back ten degrees on the sundial of Ahaz--Isaiah prophesies the Babylonian captivity of Judah.

1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying,

3 I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying,

5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord.

6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.

Elena has been up for a walk today, upgrading from a walker to using just her IV pole for support. The pulmonologist (head of ICU), the nephrologist, the cardiologist, the infectious diseases specialists, and the bone marrow team are all thrilled with her continuing improvement. They have removed Levaquin, one of the antibiotics, from the list because there is no sign of infection.

Yesterday it was Dr. Birgitta Mitchell who told me the doctors know of no medical reason for Elena's quick bounce back. Today I asked Dr. Julie Asch and she also said they didn't know, so I told her that Elena's family was fasting and praying for her.

"Are you LDS?" I asked.

"No," she said, "I'm Jewish, and yesterday was our most holy day, Yom Kippur, a day of fasting, and if your family was fasting too then we got brownie points!"

Fifteen years were added to Hezekiah's life, eighteen to Papa's, eighteen and still counting to Marcia Ann Ludlow's, forty and still counting to mine. And now Elena too is given more time.

Thanks be to God.

Thanks be to God for allowing Marcia Ann to be with us an extra 20 years total, so we could learn from her and follow her example.

With deepest love and respect,

Jill Taylor

SHARLENE STEWART

December 10, 2017

We share in this time of grief but also share in the love and memories of Marcia Ann. Our deepest sympathy, The Stewart Family

Coulson Painter

December 9, 2017

Aunt Marcia Ann was always ver kind and thoughtful. One specific memory I have is right after my mission when I was at BYU in 2008, she came and picked me up from class and took me shopping for some new clothes. It was fun spending time just with her and she was extremely generous to do this. Afterwards she took me to dinner. I still have some ties she got me that I wear and they always remind me of her kindness. She is an inspiration and I hope I can learn from her example and one day pay forward the kindness she showed me.

Todd and Karrie Rich

December 9, 2017

Marcia Ann was an inspiration to us how she went through her health challenges with such grace. She was the cousin that reached out often with Christmas cards and other communication to all of the far-flung family, organizing extended family reunions. She was/is an elect lady. We extend our warm wishes to the great Ludlow family.

Racheal Smith

December 8, 2017

Absolutely heartbroken to read this. What an amazing woman in every way. She was an example and role model with the sweet, dignified, and loving way she approached life. My husband was one of the dialysis technicians that cared for her and she and Robert made a great impact on our family. May the many special memories you shared together comfort you in the quiet moments as you grieve. So blessed to have known her.

CHRISTINE McGregor

December 8, 2017

Such a very special Lady and neighbor. Our sympathy to Bob and his family. We will miss her and our little chats. Privileged to have known her over these years.

Susan Lilly

December 8, 2017

Saddened to hear of the loss of a dear neighbor, who always had kind and welcoming words. My thoughts and prayers to Bob and the family.

Meg Crockett

December 7, 2017

Marcia Ann was a very special person to me, beginning in Jr. High when she made friends with a new girl in town who was feeling very much at loose ends. She was always such a sweet soul.

Frank & MaryAnn Hollibaugh

December 7, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Julia Cummings Wheeler

December 7, 2017

I have always loved, admired and respected Marcia Ann. Every time I was with her, I felt I was in the presence of a pure and loving soul. Truly beautiful inside and out in every way! My wishes for comfort and peace to all her family.

Frieda White

December 7, 2017

I too benefited from Marcia Ann's warm and friendly smile and gentle ways. She was a pillar of strength, fortitude, patience and love for me. May her family members find peace and comfort in knowing Marcia Ann is beyond pain and suffering. My love goes out to each of you.

liz ortiz

December 7, 2017

The world has lost a very very sweet woman. I only had the privilege to have known her for only a short 24 years-I wish I had a lot more time with her. Never have known such a wonderful person..inside and out. No matter how sick she was feeling-she never complained. Always had a sweet smile on her face. She will be greatly missed by everyone. She will always remain in our hearts. God just welcomed a beautiful angel. My deepest condolences to all her loving family.

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