Franca Ludeke

Franca Ludeke, 78, of Fountain Hills passed quietly and peacefully on Aug. 22, 2016. Franca was a beloved wife of 52 years, a devoted mother to her four children and a supreme grandmother to her five beautiful grandchildren.

She was a source of inspiration and support to all of her friends and family from around the world and never ceased to show up when called to service. If you knew Franca, you were in good company. She was an empathetic and compassionate woman who believed to embrace every moment of life with optimism.

She was the first up and the last to bed and she baked a heck of a pumpkin bread. When you were in Nonni’s presence, you felt love. She will be missed.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Ludeke of Fountain Hills; her daughter, Elizabeth and her son, Kenneth; her five grandchildren; her sister, Edda and brother, Renny and a vast network of friends from the myriad of organizations she was engaged in.

Come celebrate Franca’s life at a special service Saturday Aug. 27, at Church of the Ascension, 12615 N Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. Services are at 10 a.m. with a light reception to follow.

All her friends are welcome.

Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Mortuary. Contributions can be made in her honor to Hospice of the Valley, Eckstein Center, 9898 North 95th Street, Scottsdale, AZ.