Melba S. Ludvicek

Melba S. Ludvicek, 77, Topeka, passed away at home on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Melba was born on June 22, 1940, in Topeka, the daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Irene Early Young. Melba lived her entire life in Topeka, where she graduated, the second of three generations, from Topeka High School. As a teen, Melba worked as a carhop at the original Bobo’s Drive-In, once located on Huntoon Street. She graduated from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. Melba and James “Jim” Ludvicek were united in marriage on May 1, 1970, in Lawrence, Kansas. They enjoyed 47 wonderful years together. Melba began her career at the Menninger Foundation Clinic where she worked for over 30 years as a staff member for the peer reviewed, “Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic” publication, until the clinic closed. She retired in 2012, after ten years at the Kansas Association of School Boards. Melba was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. She was an avid animal lover; owning four dogs and eight cats throughout her life. Melba loyally supported over 60 charitable organizations, all dedicated to helping a variety of animals, both domestic and wild, as well as volunteering for many years at the Cat Association of Topeka. She was a lover of books and was often found with one in her hand, having read thousands of books in her life. Melba loved her Wildcats, Chiefs, Royals and Braves, which she enjoyed watching with her husband, Jim. Most importantly Melba loved spending time with her family. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Grateful to have shared her life are her husband, Jim Ludvicek; children, Lisa Ludvicek, Jeffrey Ludvicek and Mark Ludvicek (Erin); grandchildren, Jessica, Talon and Greyson; sisters-in-law, Doris Spelts (Cliff) of Greeley, Colorado and Kathy Estabrook (Jim) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; brothers-in-law, Terry Ludvicek (Kay) of Holton, Kansas and Rick Ludvicek (CKay) of Maysville, Oklahoma; and eleven nieces, nephews and their children. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, B. Franklin Young, Jr. (Susan); nephews, Donald and Benjamin Young, III; and sister-in-law, Patty Hare (Bob). The Knights of Columbus will lead a rosary at 2 p.m. Sunday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where family will greet friends following until 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, Kansas 66604.

Melba S. Ludvicek

June 22, 1940 - September 12, 2017