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
eight 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, Hope Grange 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,
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 100 th 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 from 4-6PM, Thursday, December 15, 2022, at the Long Funeral Home, 9
Mountain Street, Camden.
There will be a Memorial Service followed by a reception at 3PM, on Friday, December 16, 2022 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.