Ardath J. Ludtke

Ardath J. Ludtke, 83, of Superior, died Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Aspen Health and Rehabilitation, South Range, Wisconsin, with her granddaughter at her side.
Ardath was born in Superior, Wisconsin to Hank and Jean Olson in 1941. She married the love of her life Thomas Ludtke in 1958 and gave birth to their firstborn daughter, Yvonne, and moved to Riverside, California where they had 3 more children, Michael, Shawn, and Danielle, and raised them.
Ardath was heavily involved with St Catherine's Church for over 25 years. She taught Sunday school to children, went on mission trips, and worked tirelessly spreading the word of the Lord. She was an avid artist, made floats for the Rose parade, painted murals for the church among other places. She absolutely doted over her grandchildren; she loved her family fiercely, with fire in her heart. She was the light in every room. She just loved to love and wanted to spread her light to anyone and everyone possible. Ardath loved to dance, Elvis was her favorite dance partner.
She worked at UCR in Riverside, CA in payroll accounting for over 30 years until she retired. Once retired, she moved to Solon Springs, Wisconsin with her husband and granddaughter, Makaela, where she continued to spread her light wherever she went. She had a 10-year struggle with late onset Alzheimer's and moved into Middle River Health Facility where she passed with loving workers and her granddaughter Makaela beside her. She never lost her light and ability to love.
Ardath was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Ludtke; and her daughters, Yvonne Venegas, Shawn Roa, and Danielle Ludtke.
She is survived by her son, Michael Ludtke; grandchildren, Jessica Venegas, Miranda Ludtke Garvin, Andrew Venegas, Aaron Roa, Erica Ludtke Woodside, Scott Ludtke, Jacob Roa, Joshua Venegas, Makaela Portwood, Lissette Venegas, Blake Akhtar, Cameron Akhtar, and Savanah Akhtar; great grandchildren, Angelina Valdivia, Julianna Chavira, Noah Valdivia, Eva Garvin, Bennett Garvin, Vaida Woodside, Margo Woodside, and Hayden Roa.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the11:00 a.m. service on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Downs Life Celebration Center, 1902 N. 34th Street, Superior.