It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rhys John Ludlow, 19, of Oakdale, CA, on July 26, 2024, due to complications with his type one diabetes.
Rhys was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Donnie and Patty Marshall, maternal great grandparents Jack and Evelyn Welch and Don and Grace Marshall. Paternal grandmother Marcia Ann Ludlow, Roscoe and Joyce Nelson, Robert J and Emmy Lou Ludlow. He is survived by his parents Nate and Shannon Ludlow. Sister and brother-in-law Saval and Jared Eaton, sister and brother-in-law Ciera and Drake Judd, brother and sister-in-law Rhet and Natalie De Witt, sister Maryn Ludlow. Nephews Jack, Maclenn, Otto, and Wayne. Nieces Josephine, Aroura and Hollynn. Grandfather Robert C. Ludlow. Aunts and uncles Alyson Marshall, Diane Forsyth (Bruce), Rob Ludlow (Marianne). Tom Ludlow (Heather), Kathy Sanford (Caleb), Andrew Ludlow (Sara), Matthew Ludlow (Monica) and 23 Ludlow cousins.
Rhys was born on February 8th, 2005, to Nate and Shannon Ludlow. From a young age Rhys loved animals and participating on his parents’ ranch. He started showing rabbits for his local 4-H group when he was in fourth grade. Rhys was always interested in expanding his knowledge and understanding for the livestock industry. As the years went on, Rhys transitioned into raising sheep and goats, and became heavily involved in Oakdale FFA. Rhys loved sharing his knowledge with others who were just starting and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Through FFA, he excelled on the Livestock Judging Team.
After Rhys graduated from Oakdale High School in 2023, he knew he wanted to study animal science and agriculture. He was scouted by numerous colleges that offered livestock judging programs and was heavily recruited by Conner’s State College in Warner, Oklahoma. During his time at Conner’s, Rhys completed his first year of schooling with the ultimate goal of becoming a small ruminant specialist. Following his spring semester, Rhys moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, to work a summer job for Urban Livestock. The connections, friends and memories he made during his year away from California are ones that will last a lifetime. He is so loved by so many across the country and will be sorely missed by those he crossed paths with.
Donations can made to The Golden State Ag Foundation, 3916 Nicklaus Ct., Merced, CA 95340 with Rhys Ludlow in the memo line.
Our family thanks you for the kind words and outpouring of support.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Nov. 27, 2024
