Farolyn Ludwig

(From Parker Mortuary)

Farolyn Kay Ludwig completed her earthly journey 1 day before her 88th birthday, on May 16th, 2025. She was born on May 17th, 1937 in St. Joseph MO to the late Clyde and Elva (Rhodes) Campbell.

Her family moved to Joplin ahead of her Jr High years. She graduated from Joplin High School in 1955, where she had been a cheerleader. After meeting him at Redings Mill pool when she was a Junior in High School, she married the love of her life and her best friend Gayle Ludwig on June 29, 1957 at First Baptist Church in Joplin. Together they added two daughters, Karin and Christy to complete their family. Farolyn excelled at nurturing and was the quintessential “best mom in the world.”

Farolyn loved all things beautiful, and she could make all things beautiful, whether it was a spectacular garden, her art drawings, her lovely piano music, or her well-kept home. She found an outlet for her aesthetic talents when she and Gayle opened Fare-O-Lenz Interiors. She became a sought-after Interior Designer for the entire Four-States region. Her work was not simply a career, it was a manifestation of her God-given talent to turn anything she touched into a work of art.

Her interests were as varied as her talents were deep. As a gifted pianist, she filled her home with the sound of music. She lifted her lovely voice in praise of her Savior. She instilled the love of music in each of her children. Meals around her table were legendary. She loved to cook delicious meals and entertain in their home. She had an incredible gift of hospitality, and anyone who gathered at her table felt loved and certainly well fed.

As her children grew up and reached their teenage years, she and Gayle got deeply involved in youth ministry, leading a thriving program called Youth for Christ. Through their leadership hundreds of teenagers came to know Christ. Farolyn loved mentoring and discipling girls, teaching them what it meant to be a Christian woman.

The next chapter saw her become a Pastor‘s wife. Even as a busy wife and business owner she took on this role and flourished. She was the epitome of support and love, always ready to meet people where they were… to listen, support, counsel, and especially to pray. Among so many other accomplishments, she and Gayle were the catalyst that brought the first AWANA program to the Joplin area, a ministry that continues yet today. The eternal value will only be calculated by all the souls in heaven one day as a result.

Her life has been characterized as one of love for her family, for her friends, for those she ministered to, and especially for her Savior!







Farolyn is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Gayle Ludwig. Her children, Karin Tucker, (Bill) and Christy Williams (Terry). Grandchildren, Brandon Tucker (Heather), Meleah Tucker-Yarnell, Cameron Tucker (Mikayla) Michaela Schoenthaler (Braden) Crystal Satrom (Neil) Corrie Calvert (Curtis) Casey Petterson (John) Matt Osborne, and 24 great grandchildren. Along with her parents, she is proceeded in death by her oldest granddaughter, Melissa Osborne, and one great-granddaughter Jemma Petterson.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 1:30 in the Forest Park Baptist Church Worship Center. The family would like to invite friends for a time of visitation prior to the service at 12:30 PM. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City Missouri.

Arrangements are under the care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin Missouri.