Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc.

03/31/2026

When we lose someone we love, formally acknowledging that loss can be difficult. But did you know that attending a funeral ceremony can lessen the burden of grief?

Funeral ceremonies are a unique opportunity to honor the life of a loved one. It is a way for friends and family to express their grief in a meaningful way, to convey empathy, and to establish a system of mutual support as they transition from life with their loved one to life without them.

To learn more about how a personalized funeral ceremony can lessen the burden of grief, give us a call at 610.683.8111.

03/30/2026

03/27/2026

Have you heard of funeral honorariums? If you haven't, check out this brief article that answers key questions about honorariums, including what they are and who receives them. And if you have more questions, just give us a call, and we'll provide the answers you need.

Did you know that an honorarium is customary when you perform specific roles at a funeral? Check out this article to learn more!

03/27/2026

In Loving Memory of Barbara F. Stewart, 96, a resident of Topton Lutheran Home and formerly of Philadelphia and Bechtelsville, who died peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of George F. and Marion (Fry) Fry. She graduated from Myers High School in 1947 and later attended business school.

While raising her children, she also served as a foster parent for the Lutheran Children's Bureau, caring for many newborn infants and children.

In her later years, she enjoyed time with her family as well as playing cards. She was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Bechtelsville.

Barbara is cherished and survived by her children, Gail T. Sheridan (Michael), Westampton, NJ, Glen G. Trethaway (Deborah), Bechtelsville,and Bruce G. Trethaway, Bechtelsville; 6 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.

She was predeceased by her husband, William P. Stewart, MD; son, Mark T. Trethaway; and her three siblings.

A memorial service to celebrate and honor Barbara's life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church,1749 S Main St., Bechtelsville, PA.

Memorial contributions, in her memory, may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 1749 South Main st Bechtelsville, PA 19505.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., 25 E. Weis Street, Topton, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.

View Barbara Stewart's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/26/2026

In Loving Memory of Jeffrey H. Bortz, 76, of Kutztown, PA, who passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026 in Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA. Born in Allentown, Jeffrey was the son of the late Homer H. and Evelyn M. (Stettler) Bortz.

He was a graduate of Emmaus High School and Muhlenberg College. Afterward, he continued his education at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia where he was ordained as a Lutheran Minister. He then served as a Pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in Boyertown, PA and Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Krumsville (Grimville), PA. In a later chapter of his career, Jeff worked as a Financial Advisor with Sovereign Bank, where he remained until his retirement.

An avid reader with an extensive personal library, Jeff was equally at home on the bleachers as he was in a book. A former catcher, his passion for sports ran deep-from his beloved Phillies and Eagles to Penn State football. This love for the game extended to his own family; Jeff was a constant presence in his children's sports activities, serving for years as a dedicated member of the Optimist Club. Above all, his unwavering commitment to his faith and the betterment of his community defined his life, leaving a legacy that will be deeply cherished by all who knew him.

Jeff is survived by his two children, Andrew M. Bortz, and his wife, Jane V. (Balas) Bortz, Fort Washington, PA, and Julie A. (Bortz), wife of Walter B. Johnson, Landenberg, PA; grandchildren, Ryleigh and Lyla Bortz, Abigail Johnson, and William and Ethan Bortz. Along with his parents, Jeff was predeceased by his son, Matthew J. Bortz in 2012 and a brother, Ronald P. Johnson in 2025.

A memorial service to celebrate and honor the life of Jeffrey Bortz will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in St. John's Lutheran Church, 201 E. Main Street, Kutztown, PA 19530 with The Reverend James W. Schlegel officiating. A visitation with Jeff's family will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown and Topton, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.Ludwickfh.com.ting www.Ludwickfh.com.

View Rev. Jeffrey H. Bortz's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/20/2026

The more personal a funeral service is, the more meaningful it will be for the entire family. To help your family brainstorm possible ways to create a truly one-of-a-kind final goodbye, check out this list of 10 ideas to consider. And if you don't find something that feels right, this list is only the beginning. We're happy to sit down with you and come up with even more ideas to create the perfect sendoff.

To be meaningful and healing, a funeral must be personal. Check out this article for 10 ideas to create a truly unique final tribute.

03/20/2026

Watch the video for Leah Grace Ross

03/20/2026

Winter is past. Spring has come. After long and difficult winters, spring is a welcome change. Do you have any plans for this spring that you're looking forward to?

03/17/2026

When you lose someone, you need people who will gather around you for support, help you remember the life of your loved one, and guide you toward creating a meaningful celebration of life, so you can rejoice in their memory.

We want to be that for you and your family.

We not only will handle your loved one with respect, honor, and dignity, we also promise to support you emotionally with caring and loving hearts. From creating a healing and meaningful ceremony to supporting you and your family at the graveside, we promise to be with you every step of the way. To us, it's an honor to serve you and the most rewarding part of what we do.

To learn how we can serve you, visit ludwickfh.com/traditional-funeral-services.

03/17/2026

The color green has long been associated with Ireland, so it makes perfect sense that we should wear green to honor St. Patrick's Day. Do you wear anything special to celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

03/16/2026

In Loving Memory of Leah Grace Ross, 43, of Fleetwood, who died unexpectedly Friday, March 13, 2026, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. Born in West Reading, Leah was a daughter of Lawrence J., and Diane F. (Wolfgang) Ross, Blandon.

Leah was a graduate of Fleetwood Area High School, Class of 2001. While in high school, Leah was a member of the band, and attended Vo-Tech for dental hygiene.

Leah was first employed as a pharmacy technician for CVS Pharmacy, Blandon; she then began a career in banking that started at Susquehanna Bank, and through mergers, BB&T, then Truist Bank, until accepting a position as Branch Manager of Fleetwood Bank, at the Kutztown and Lyons branches.

Leah was deeply involved in community activities and supporting local non-profit efforts throughout the area. Leah was involved with the Kutztown Lions Club, Kutztown Community Partnership, and was currently serving as treasurer for FRIEND, Inc.

Leah was a ray of sunshine and had a smile that warmed the hearts of all who knew her. She was deeply devoted to family. The job title she wore most proudly was Nanny. Her favorite place was at home in the morning, with a hot cup of coffee and the sound of giggles from her two little grandsons, Spencer and Asher, as they played on the floor. Leah was so proud of her son, Timothy, as she watched him step into manhood and become a father. He and Lexi, and their two little boys gave her so much joy. She shared a love of music with her daughter, Allison, and they loved going to concerts, taking road trips, and attending fundraiser Bingos. Leah was a lover of winter, probably because she arrived during the blizzard of 1983, and Christmas was her favorite holiday. Born on Valentine's Day, Leah will always be her mom and dad's Forever Valentine.

In addition to her parents, Leah is survived by her children Timothy B. Williams, Jr., companion of Alexis S. Miller, Fleetwood; Allison F. Williams, Blandon, other survivors include two brothers, Micah J., husband of Katie (Rodgers) Ross, Mission Viejo, CA; Benjamin J., husband of Kim (Francis) Ross, Reading, PA. There are two grandsons, Spencer Flynn Williams and Asher Timothy Williams.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Leah's life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, with The Reverend Bonnie Oplinger, officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

The family requests contributions be considerd in Leah's memory to Easy Does It Addiction Treatment Center, 1300 Hilltop Road, Leesport, PA 19533, or FRIEND, Inc., 658-D Noble Street, Kutztown, PA 19530.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting Leah's obituary tribute page at www.ludwickfh.com

View Leah Grace Ross's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.