Dr. Barbara M. Ludwig, 48, of Leawood, KS, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Visitation will be from 4-6:00 PM on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia St., Lenexa, KS. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 21 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, KS. Burial in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Overland Park, KS. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Rockhurst University Scholarship, Amyloidosis Research Consortium, American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
Barbara was born in Portland, Oregan on May 22, 1976, to Terry William Shreve and Anna Maria Spanu. Throughout her childhood she enjoyed spending time with the Spanu family with many hours spent crabbing and fishing with her GrandpaJoe. Upon graduating Wilson High School, Barbara joined the United States Air Force where she served honorably in the Combat Camera Squadron based in Charleston, SC.
Barbara married Kevin Ludwig in Omaha, NE on September 23, 2006. Barbara and Kevin moved to the Kansas City area and have remained in the area with exception to a brief, but memorable time spent in Johannesburg, South Africa where Barbara met several lifelong friends. Barbara enjoyed making a home with her family in Leawood, KS where she was a cherished friend of many.
Upon discharge from the Air Force, Barbara developed a passion for the healthcare field. She graduated from the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE as a Registered Nurse in 2007. After stepping away from healthcare to focus on raising children, Barbara continued her education earning a PhD in Healthcare Education from Nebraska Methodist College. Barbara was a respected teacher to future nursing leaders and was most recently the Director of Graduate Nursing Programs at Rockhurst University.
Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family and friends lounging by the backyard pool in the summer. She enjoyed extensive travels to national parks, vineyards with Kevin and the beach where Barbara enjoyed listening to the ocean off Hwy 30A on the Florida gulf coast.
After emerging health issues, Barbara faced multiple hospitalizations culminating in a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma with AL Amyloidosis in November of 2024. Barbara fought a short but courageous battle against this disease and throughout this fight left memorable impressions on the University of Kansas Medical Team.
Barbara was preceded in death by her stepfather, Seigmar Reiniger. She is survived by her loving husband Kevin Ludwig; daughters Layla and Lauren Ludwig; and son Jadyn Andera. She is also survived by her mother Anna Reiniger, and sibling Richard Shreve. She will be cherished and remembered by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.