Barbara A. (Reinhard) Ludrof, 91, died Jan. 9, 2026, at Phoebe Home, Allentown, with her loving family by her side. She was the wife of Joseph A. Ludrof Jr. for 71 years. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Julia (Weber) Reinhard.

She graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1952 and enjoyed being a part of the class reunion committee for many years. She was honored with the Distinguished Graduate Award from ACCHS in 2002 and served on the advisory board for 10 years.

She was instrumental in the formation of the head trauma support group at Good Shepherd Hospital (1975) and the Allentown Diocese Marathon for Non-Public Education (1991). Additionally, she held leadership roles as chaplain and first vice president of the Allentown AARP and associate chaplain for Lower Macungie Seniors.

Her life was deeply rooted in faith and community service. As a founding member of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church and its women’s guild (serving as president and adviser), she helped shape the parish from its inception, even establishing the school bookstore in 1968.

For more than four decades, she served as the administrative assistant for the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith under Msgrs. Coll and Murphy. Her career was highlighted by significant spiritual encounters, most notably meeting Mother Teresa in 1976 and attending a private audience with Pope John Paul II in 2002 — an experience she considered a lifelong treasure.

A remarkably gifted self-taught seamstress, she took pride in handcrafting bridal gowns for herself, her sister, Beverly and her daughter, Jane.

She had a deep passion for travel and was happiest when she was at the beach with her family.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by son, Joseph III, of Fountain Hill; daughter, Julia Scott, of Allentown; daughter-in-law, Lori, of Cranberry Township; daughter, Jane Merritt (Stan), of Phoenixville; son, John (Natalie), of Allentown; sister, Beverly Fekula (Jack), of Whitehall; grandchildren, Jeffrey Jr., Joseph (Katelyn), Jim Merritt (Sandi), Brian (Ailee), Jared, Laura Lesagonicz (Chris), Abigail and Tori Merritt; great-grandchildren, Emersyn, Blake, Owen, Tanner, Cheyenne, Audrey, Emery, Benjamin, Hayden and Leo; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Sr.; sisters-in-law, Teresa Lewis and Jeanne Tilghman.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to all those who cared for her in her later years at Riverton Enhanced Senior Living and Phoebe Home, both in Allentown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. Jan. 23 at St. Thomas More Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown. Family and friends may pay their respects 10—11:15 a.m. in the church. She was particularly fond of all things purple. Attendees are kindly requested to wear purple in whatever form.

The Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home, P.C., has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmanstephens.com.

Contributions may be made in her name to St. Thomas More School or Allentown Central Catholic High School.