Margene Ludlow Hardy

Margene Ludlow Hardy, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, peacefully passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Margene was born on March 11, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Gene Ludlow and Mary Morley Ludlow. As the eldest of three girls, she took great pride in being a big sister to Marsha and Diane. After her parents divorced, she was fortunate to gain a "bonus" father, Jack Rockhill, along with a brother, Bill, and later a sister, Karen, and brother, Jeff. She also had the joy of being reunited with her sister, Susan Farley.

She attended South High School. After high school she worked in the Relief Society Magazine department at the Church Offices, where she served as a secretary to Myrna Hardy. It was during this time that Myrna’s son, Neal, returned from his mission and visited his mother. A beautiful love story blossomed when Neal offered to take Margene home after work. Their first dinner together at the Pancake House in Murray sparked an instant connection, as she admired his good manners. After six months of dating, Neal proposed to her with a diamond ring on Christmas Day in 1960. They were married on June 22, 1961, in the Salt Lake Temple.

Margene was the epitome of selflessness, love, kindness, gentleness, and patience. Her family meant the world to her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. Together, Neal and Margene raised eight children, welcomed 22 grandchildren, and celebrated 24 great-grandchildren, with three more great-granddaughters expected in 2025.

Her love for children was boundless; she would have happily welcomed a hundred if she could. Margene was a bonus mom to many of her children's friends. She babysat, providing care for working mothers and showering those children with love and attention. Many of them affectionately referred to her as "mom," which she cherished, believing it was a special blessing from Heavenly Father.

She also played a significant role in babysitting her grandchildren while her children worked. When her kids came to pick up their little ones, the grandchildren often begged to have sleepovers with Grandma. She never turned them down, even after hectic days with numerous kids. Together, they watched movies, played games, and worked on puzzles, with Grandma often joining them to sleep on the floor, making her grandkids the joy of her life.

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Margene dedicated much of her service to the Primary. When asked if she would like to serve somewhere else because she was always surrounded by children, her response was always, "There is nowhere else I would rather be." Her favorite age group was the Sunbeam Class, where the children affectionately called her "Grandma." They would often compete for a spot on her lap during lessons, as she radiated love.

Margene is survived by her children: Michelle (Chris), Ray (Carolyn), Rod (Rachael), Melanie (Kyle), Ryan (Kari), Mary (Jeff), Randy (Natalee), and Rick. Her grandchildren include Heather, Jordan, Jessica, Nate, Ambrea, Keanna, Ashton, Bailey, Kambrie, Trevor, Kaitlin, Kelsey, Jolynn, Jesse, Addie, Saylor, Brecken, Skylar, Tyson, Camden, McKinlee and Ella. Her great-grandchildren are Daxson, Peyton, Taylor, Kyson, Huxley, Haidyn, Harlow, Austyn, Krew, Savannah, Jaxon, Hunter, Dakota, Aspen, Trail, Ridge, Scottlyn, Charlotte, Maggie, Avery, Roxy, Tulla, Brooks, Holland, and 3 great-granddaughters that will join the family in 2025. She is also survived by her sisters: Marsha, Karen, and Susan.

She was preceded in death by her husband Neal, mother Mary, father Gene, bonus father Jack, sister Diane, and brothers Bill and Jeff.

There will be a viewing on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 9:00 -10:45 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens located at 1950 E. 10600 S. in Sandy. Private graveside service and Celebration of Life for family following the viewing.