Walter (Walt) Wilson Ludlow’s life of service, devotion to family, and unconditional love came to an earthly end on September 6, 2026. Walt lived to honor his family and his God, and he will forever be remembered for his devotion to both.

Walt was born on August 29, 1941, in Payson, Utah, the youngest child of Aldon (Bus) and Donna Ludlow. His early years were spent working with his dad on his family’s farm in Payson and Benjamin, riding horses and hunting the hills and mountains around his home, and running wild through the streets of Payson. When Walt was 14 years old, his father passed away unexpectedly, leaving Walt very big shoes to fill. His mother never remarried, and Walt spent the rest of her life providing whatever assistance she needed—from helping her run the local bus depot when he was still in school, to picking her up for appointments later in life, and a million humble acts of service in between.

After high school, Walt married Dawn Westhoff. Together, they had three children: Walter, Jr., Jill, and Jimmy. Walt and Dawn later divorced.

The work ethic Walt learned as a child never left him, and he held positions for years as a draftsman for Sperry Corporation (Univac) working on control circuits for missiles, a ski patroller, and, later, as a successful insurance agent. While working, Walt also earned bachelor’s degrees in marketing and accounting from the University of Utah. He remained a Utes fan until the end, despite family pressure and manipulation to switch allegiance.

While working the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort as a member of the ski patrol, Walt was constantly looking for the cute girls skiing out of control. Eventually, he found one, and he and Michele Warner were married on October 7, 1977, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Walt and Michele made their first home in Park City where Walt continued as a member of the ski patrol and eventually opened his own insurance office. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on January 30, 1991. Walt and Michele were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Lauren and Morgan, who absolutely adored their father. The love of Walt’s children for their dad, along with his loving wife, was never more evident than in the last ten months of his life, where they spent every day at his side, took care of his every need, fought and advocated for him, smuggled him out of the assisted living facility for drives and family activities, and showered him with affection.

Walt earned the love and respect of everyone he met. He never saw a person in need whom he didn’t try to help. Even when his body was failing, Walt couldn’t stand to see someone working and not offer his assistance. Whether in his personal or professional life, Walt was generous with his compassion to those whom he knew needed assistance. Quietly, he paid insurance premiums for struggling clients, paid for missions, and became a father figure for many not related by blood. Walt had a unique ability to talk to anyone about anything, and he made an impact everywhere he went. From Park City to Heber to St. George to Oregon to 1,000 gas pumps and clothing stores, Walt never shied away from an opportunity to make a friend. Inevitably, the one question people always ask Walt’s family is “How’s Walt?”

Walt’s devotion to his family was matched only by his devotion to the Gospel. He was a committed disciple of Jesus Christ with a deep and abiding faith in God’s plan for him and his family. He loved to learn and often had deep questions about scriptures and profound answers to challenging life circumstances. Walt was especially proud of his service with Michele as an ordinance worker in the Provo Temple.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Carol, and his daughter Jill. He is survived by his wife Michele; brother Paul; sons Walter Edward and James (Monica); daughters Lauren (Curtis) Cox and Morgan (Chris) Newitt; grandchildren Sarah (Pete) Fuller, Paul (Allie) Berriochoa, Matthew, Lucas, Hannah, Grace, Camden, Sophie, Chloe, Kate, Elle, Jake; and great-grandchildren Madeline, Abigail, and Ellie.

Walt was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will be dearly missed by those who were lucky enough to have him in their life. His family would like to thank the staff of Covington Assisted Living—especially Danielle and the other amazing CNAs who lovingly cared for him, showing kindness and respect, and always tried to get to smile or give a high five—and Tiffany, Stacia, and the staff of Belle Vie Hospice. An additional debt of gratitude is owed to the many friends and neighbors who repaid the love Walt had shown them and selflessly served Walt and Michele in the last several years.

A viewing for Walt will be held at the Timp Meadows Ward building located at 521 E 500 N, Heber City, Utah, on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 PM and again on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 AM, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Heber City Cemetery.