Virginia R. Ludlow

Age 89 of Lansing, passed away Jan. 29, 2024 at The Ridge assisted living facility in Lansing with her son and daughter-in-law by her side.

Ginny was born Sept. 21, 1934, in Detroit, the oldest daughter of Katherine and Daniel Reed. She was a graduate of Southeastern High School in Detroit, attended Albion College, and graduated from Wayne State University with a teaching degree. She married Warren Mertens in 1958 and after teaching for several years in the Detroit school system, she left the profession to raise a family in Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich. She later returned to the workforce as a successful insurance agent for Aid Association for Lutherans. She moved to Lansing, Mich. in 1985 and spent several years working for the U.S. Agricultural Department.

Ginny was an exceptional seamstress and volunteered her time for many years making costumes for the Grosse Pointe Theater. Her skill with the needle carried over to various crafts including macramé, needlepoint, knitting, and more than a few ugly Christmas sweaters over the years. She was an active quilt maker at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and spent countless hours knitting socks and slippers for the needy. A voracious reader, Ginny’s bookshelves were filled with cozy mystery books, which were read many times over. When not crafting or reading, Ginny could be found in the kitchen baking exceptional desserts, coffee cakes, cookies, or whipping up delicious meals.

She is survived by her sons James Mertens, of Houghton, Mich.; Jeffrey Mertens (Mitzi), of Lansing, Mich.; sister Ann Meredith, of Ann Arbor, Mich.; half-sister Ellen Watford, of Tryon, N.C.; and beloved niece Kathryn Meredith, of Plymouth, Mich.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother Elizabeth Reed; her half-brother David Reed; her son, Paul Mertens; and beloved nephew Sumner Meredith.

Visitation will be on Monday, February 5, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Estes-Leadley Funeral Home, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Roger Straub officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lansing, Hospice of Lansing, Ionia Area Hospice and Stoneleigh Residence, 3186 Pine Tree Rd., Lansing, MI 48911.