Marilyn J. Ludin

1956 - 2025

Marilyn J. Ludin

July 3, 1956 - October 7, 2025

Marilyn Jean Ludin, 69, of Port Byron, Ill., died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at MercyOne Genesis Medical Center, Silvis, Ill.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 13, 2025 at St. Patrick's Church of Divine Mercy Parish, Colona, Ill. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, at Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Port Byron. Memorials may be made to N.W. Teens Encounter Christ (TEC).

Marilyn was born on July 3, 1956 in Moline, Ill. to Wayne and Virginia (May) Kelly. Marilyn grew up in several places in the Quad Cities including Colona, Barstow, East Moline, and Bushnell, Illinois. She graduated from United Township High School in 1974. She married David Ludin (as she was the girl of his dreams) on April 11, 1975, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Colona, Ill. She was baptized as a Catholic on October 18, 1975. She completely loved her Catholic faith.

Marilyn and Dave lived in Moline, Ill., along the Rock River their first year of marriage. After their son Dave Jr. was born, they moved to Port Byron, Ill. and made that their home. They had two more sons, Joshua and Jeremy.

Marilyn started a babysitting business when her boys were young so she could stay at home with them. She continued that business until their youngest son Jeremy started school. She then started a house cleaning business so she could arrange her schedule to be present for their kids and attend all their school activities.

When the kids all graduated high school, Marilyn worked as a receptionist at H&R Block for several years. She later worked for Pastrnak Law Office in Davenport, Iowa. After that, she worked for QC Tax and Accounting in Moline as a receptionist until they sold the business. She was then hired by Padgett Business Services in Moline until September of 2024. Marilyn always went above and beyond what was expected of her. If she thought something needed to be done, she would just do it. She made many friends along the way, both customers and friends and she cherished every one of them.

Marilyn had a strong Catholic faith and was very active in Cursillo and TEC. Leading a TEC was an absolute joy for her.

The family vacations in Minnesota every year was always a high point in Marilyn's life. With all the kids and grandkids joining, great memories were always made as her kids and her grandkids brought her the greatest joy. Attending all their sporting and extracurricular events, Christmas pageants and spring shows kept her and Dave joyfully busy.

Marilyn was never flashy and loved simplicity with a little sparkle. Her love of nature and all God's creatures was always clearly evident. Her Cherokee heritage was also important to her and kept her grounded to the earth. Her beauty was inside and out although she never saw herself as beautiful. She loved everyone deeply and honestly.

Marilyn was a lifelong Cubs fan and she's surely still rooting for them from above.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, David Ludin, Sr.; her three sons, Dave Ludin (Emily Dykstra), Josh (Amanda) Ludin, Jeremy (Meghan) Ludin; nine grandchildren, Davis, Caden, Jensen, Katelyn, Reid, McKenley, Marshall, Conner and Everley; brothers, Tom, Steven, and Rick; sisters, Donna, Debbie and Terry; along with several aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sisters, Denise and Rita. Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.