Ralph Daniel Ludington

Ralph Daniel Ludington, 62, said goodbye to this world and hello to the next on the evening of April 8, 2020, at his home in Panhandle, Texas. He passed peacefully after a two-year battle with cancer. His wife and daughters were by his side, sharing their last "I love you", having shared one last "I love you" with his son earlier in the day.

Ralph was survived by a whole damn bunch of people who loved the hell out of him. And who he loved the hell out of. You can read those details below.

Ralph loved, and was loved greatly. He seemed to have packed 100 years of life into his short 62 years.

He was born on October 23, 1957, in Monmouth, IL. He grew up with very little. He had a tough childhood, but being around him you would never know it. He grew up in a big family, and learned early on that taking care of those close to you was one of the most important things in life. He played baseball and learned how to build and fix things. Little known fact…in his senior year of high school he was the starting catcher. The starting pitcher was late for the game, so they asked Ralph to pitch the first inning. He calmly took the mound, struck out the first three batters, then went back to playing catcher when the pitcher showed up. He has that game ball in a display case.

He graduated from Galesburg High School, and in 1977 made his way up to Morrison, Illinois, to attend drafting school at Morrison Institute of Technology. There he met Sandy Beswick, who became his wife of 22 years. In short order, they had three children together: Joshua, Shannon, and Amber. In 1984, they loaded up their kids and possessions in a little car and made the trek from northwest Illinois to the Texas Panhandle, where he lived the rest of his days. Ralph and Sandy made a wonderful home for their kids, always found a way to make ends meet, and started “Panther Pizza” with another couple in 1991.

In 2003, he married Katrina Krug. Ralph always said, “I’ve been married 39 years, it just took two women to do it!” Katrina helped Ralph continue his dream of the small town life. They re-opened “Panther Pizza”. They gave back to the community together, and everyone knew their home was open to all who needed a shoulder to cry on, a word of advice, a warm meal, or simply a cold one and a few laughs.

Ralph was so many things to so many people. Here are a few of his more formal roles: Son. Brother. Husband. Father. Uncle. Grandpa. Great-grandpa. And here are a few of the not-so-formal roles: Friend. Coach. Boss. Mentor. Golf buddy. Racing buddy. Drinking buddy. Counselor. Best friend….we have heard so many people over the last few days say “he was one of my best friends”. He had a lot of those.

And Ralph was no one-trick-pony. Some of his many talents include: Comedian. Master of bodily-function humor. Mechanic. Carpenter. Plumber. Race car driver. Softball star (as a player/coach, known for bringing a jam box to the dugout and playing “Put Me in Coach” during the warm-ups). Animal rescuer (oh my, how many can we possibly keep???). Animal lover (Annie has been waiting for you!). Beef jerky maker. Pistol-grill maker. Business man. Classic Rock lover (he met Alice Cooper last year!). Golfer. Scary storyteller (if this log sinks, we’re all gonna die!!). Water skier. Fisherman. Monday night breakfast maker. St. Louis Cardinals fan. NASCAR fan. Pit crew member. Gardener. Landscaper. Builder. Snap-On calendar collector. Steel building installer. Backyard playhouse maker. Home remodeler. He truly was a “Ralph” of all trades. He loved working with his hands, especially when it involved giving to others. He was never bored, and never boring.

If you came into his life with love and friendship, he was always ready to give it right back. Have a seat at the bar, the door is always open…..

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Ralph is survived by:

His wife, Katrina Krug Ludington

His three children: Joshua (and Jill) Ludington, Canyon, TX; Shannon (and Jimmie) Hays, Panhandle, TX; Amber (and Lyle) Cooper, Cedaredge, CO

His first wife, Sandy Beswick Ludington

His ten grandchildren: Gaven, Evely, Blythe, Ethan, Masyn, Jackson, Brady, Ava, Westyn, and Kyra

And one great granddaughter, Oaklee!

His sisters: LuAnn (and Jim) Brakeville, Little York, IL Mary (and Paul) Carolan, Tempe, AZ Susan Phillips, Pontoosuc, IL Stephanie (and Ron) Knoedler, Wright City, MO Cindy (and Neal) McNeely, Phoenix, AZ Amanda (and Jon) Williams, Stronghurst, IL

And his brothers: Mark Ludington, Bloomington, IL Chaz (and Dwayne) Ludington, Phoenix, AZ Scott (and Nichol) Ludington, Stronghurst, IL Ron (and Leslie) Ludington, Stronghurst, IL

Many, many nieces and nephews.

His stepmother, Becky Ludington, Stronghurst, IL

His foster Mother, Donna Martin

His foster Sister, Pam Wildermuth

And so many friends whom he considered family!!

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Valerie Tutwiler, his foster father Gerald Martin, his mother-in-law Bobbi Lane, his nephew Nicholas Ferguson, and his son-in-law Gabe Barrick.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made in Ralph Ludington’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Immediate family will be holding a small memorial soon. The family will announce a celebration-of-life event for all who wish to attend at a later date.