The graveside service for Barbara A. (Pearse) Ludwig, 99, who died on November 27, 2022, will be held Friday, May 12, 2023, at 3 p.m., at the Mountain View Cemetery in Camden.
 
Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.
 
 
HOPE — Barbara Alice Ludwig, 99, of Hope, died on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Waldo County General Hospital following a brief illness. Born in Lincolnville on August 18, 1923, she was one of seven children born to Crosby and Eleanor (Libby) Pearse. She attended schools in Lincolnville and learned a strong work ethic at a young age working with her father. In 1943, she married Earle Ludwig.

Barbara was active in many town and community groups including the Hope Extension, Hope Historical Society, Hope RFD Club, and the Camden Senior Citizens. In addition, she served as a ballot clerk at the polls for over 50 years. The Town of Hope dedicated the Town Report to Barbara in 2016. She attended the John Street United Methodist Church in Camden.

Barbara always loved to work. She and her husband, Earle, lived on their farm where they raised poultry, and had a dairy farm. Barbara also did the bookkeeping and payroll for Earle’s road construction business. In her spare time, she loved tending her vegetable garden, picking berries, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and having her grandchildren visit. In recent months, she enjoyed adult coloring books and gave one of her perfectly colored drawings to her many visitors.

Since 2018, Barbara has been the recipient of the Boston Post Cane being the eldest resident in Hope. Along with her sister Mildred O’Jala they each held the award in their respective towns, Hope and Union. Barbara was looking forward to her 100th birthday next year.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Earle Ludwig in 1995; daughter Marjorie Royer; and five siblings, Basil Pearse, Donald Pearse, Florence Beverage, Geneva Hall, Marion Leonard, and two grandchildren, Scott Royer and Kelly Hillgrove.

Surviving are her five children, Linda (Robert) Hillgrove, Edward (Faye) Ludwig, Alex (Peggy) Ludwig, Christine Stevens, and Keith Ludwig; one sister, Mildred O’Jala; fourteen grandchildren, Patricia Fagan, Kim Cohen, Nicole Powell, Amy Perry, Heather Davis, Jennifer Lemerond, Edward Ludwig, Jr., Randy Matson, Hannah Matson, Robert Hillgrove III, Tyler Ludwig, and Andrew Ludwig; several step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, December 15, 2022, from 4 - 6 p.m., at the Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.

There will be a Memorial Service followed by a reception Friday, December 16, 2022, at 3 p.m., at the John Street United Methodist Church, 98 John Street, Camden.

Spring interment will be in the Mountain View Cemetery in Camden. Memorial gifts in her memory may be made to the Hope Historical Society or the Hope Fire Department.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.