Ottilie Ludlow

our beloved mother, has joined her husband, mother and father, and brother and sister to be with God on June 9th 2015. She passed peacefully, surrounded by family. Ottilie was 92 years of age.Ottilie (Heinle) was born in Augsburg, Germany June 12th 1922. She grew up in Bavaria during the buildup of WW2 and although she experienced the full measure of war and loss, her spirit was never broken. Her loving nature and caring spirit shone through her ever present and enduring smile.She survived the dark days of war torn Germany, including the allied bombing of Augsburg, Germany. After the war she met a US GI (Oliver Ludlow) stationed in Germany and fell in love. Bravely traveling to the US with her new family, speaking very limited english, she moved to California and began building a new life in this strange new place. Eventually the family moved to Montana and finally settled in Washington State.Ottilie raised three boys; Roland, Richard, and Thomas. Even though she missed Germany, she learned to enjoy and even grew to love her new life in America. She had a life well lived over the next 60 years raising her family, learning a new language, and culture.She had a fun loving spirit and had a smile she shared graciously and often. When we look back at her life and experiences, it seems extraordinary. That smile she shared so graciously and freely with almost everyone she met was a testament to her spirit and her love even though she overcame some amazing hardships.In the face of great challenges, Ottie always met them with determination and hard work. She exceled at german cooking and knitting. She loved to sing and play the accordian in her younger years. She really had a sophisticated ear for music and a deep love for it. And oh how she loved to dance! She simply made people feel happy. Everyone wanted to be around her.During her last 10 years on Bainbridge Island she further blossomed making even more great friends.Ottilie is survived by her three sons, 11 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. She was an inspiration, loving mother and oma, and is an example to us all even now.A memorial service will be held at Port Madison Lutheran Church, Saturday June 20th at 2:30 p.m. All are welcome.In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Scarlet Road. A donation can be made online at Scarletroad.orgTo donate via mail, please send a check to:Scarlet RoadPO Box 1521Silverdale WA98383360-850-9718