Barbara A. Ludrof

Barbara A. (Reinhard) Ludrof, 91, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026, at Phoebe Home, Allentown with her loving family by her side. She was the wife of Joseph A. Ludrof, Jr., having shared 71 years of marriage. Born in Allentown on September 21, 1934, Barbara was the daughter of the late Chester and Julia (Weber) Reinhard.

Barbara graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School (ACCHS) in 1952 and enjoyed being a part of the class reunion committee for many years. She was honored with the Distinguished Graduate Award from ACCHS in 2002 and served on the Advisory Board for ten years. She was instrumental in the formation of the Head Trauma Support Group at Good Shepherd Hospital (1975) and the Allentown Diocese Marathon for Non-Public Education (1991). Additionally, she held leadership roles as Chaplain and First Vice President of the Allentown AARP and Associate Chaplain for Lower Macungie Seniors.

Barbara's life was deeply rooted in faith and community service. As a founding member of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church and its Women's Guild (serving as President and Advisor), she helped shape the parish from its inception, even establishing the school bookstore in 1968. For over four decades, she served as the Administrative Assistant for the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith under Msgrs. Coll & Murphy. Her career was highlighted by significant spiritual encounters, most notably meeting Mother Teresa in 1976 and attending a private audience with Pope John Paul II in 2002-an experience she considered a life-long treasure.

A remarkably gifted self-taught seamstress, Barbara took pride in hand-crafting bridal gowns for herself, her sister Beverly, and her daughter Jane. Known for her keen eye while shopping, particularly at her favorite destination, Macy's, she also had a deep passion for travel. Whether in Aruba or along the coasts of Delaware and New Jersey, Barbara was happiest when she was at the beach with her family.

Barbara's passion was not for playing the game, but for cheering from the stands. Whether it was supporting four generations of her family at their own events or rooting for her beloved Eagles and Phillies, her team spirit was unmatched, highlighted by the joy of seeing two Super Bowl titles in recent years.

Barbara will be greatly missed by her entire family. Survivors: husband Joseph Jr.; son Joseph III of Fountain Hill, daughter Julia Scott of Allentown, daughter-in-law Lori Ludrof of Cranberry Township; daughter Jane Merritt (Stan) of Phoenixville, and son John (Natalie) of Allentown; sister, Beverly Fekula (Jack) of Whitehall; grandchildren – Jeffrey Ludrof, Jr., Joseph Ludrof (Katelyn), Jim Merritt (Sandi), Brian Ludrof (Ailee), Jared Ludrof, Laura Lesagonicz (Chris), Abigail Ludrof and Tori Merritt; great-grandchildren – Emersyn, Blake, Owen, Tanner, Cheyenne, Audrey, Emery, Benjamin, Hayden and Leo, in addition to many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son Jeffrey Ludrof, Sr. and two sisters-in-law, Teresa Lewis and Jeanne Tilghman.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to all those that cared for Barbara in her later years at Riverton Enhanced Senior Living and Phoebe Home, both in Allentown.

Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Thomas More Church, 1040 Flexer Avenue, Allentown. Family and friends may pay their respects from 10 – 11:15 a.m. Friday in the church. Interment will follow services at Resurrection Cemetery, Allentown. The Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home, P.C., has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmanstephens.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to St. Thomas More School or Allentown Central Catholic High School.

SPECIAL REQUEST: Barbara was particularly fond of all things purple. Attendees are kindly requested to wear purple in whatever form.