Racine – Shirley A. Ludka, 85, passed away at Hospice House in Kenosha on Friday, January 6, 2012. Shirley was born in Portage on June 23, 1926 to Ivan and Hattie (nee, Bade) Little. She graduated from Portage High School where she excelled as a swimmer. On April 12, 1954 in Milwaukee she married Raymond Ludka. She retired from Western Publishing Company after more than 30 years. Shirley enjoyed many years fishing in Black Bay in International Falls, MN along with other Wisconsin boundary waters. She loved gardening and attending her lawn. She also loved to entertain with feasts of food for all. Shirley loved to travel and had fond memories of her visits to Australia, New Mexico, Florida, Figi, Hawaii and numerous casinos'. Country music brought her to Nashville, TN on several occasions. Shirley was active in many organizations and supporter of the Priesthood of Sacred Heart, Disabled Veterans, National Sherriff's Association, Lambry Indians and Missions, Boys Town, U.S.O., American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and American Humane Society. Shirley is survived by her husband, Raymond Ludka; children, Connie Jean Colton, Chris (Ken) Gable and Raymond J. (Molly) Ludka, step-daughter, Kathy (Gordon) Sauer and sisters-in-law, Florence Lontkowski and Geraldine Ankney. Shirley is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Bonnie Jean Carson; step-daughter, Linda Holmes; brothers, Russell, Gordon and Hooper Little; and brother-in-law, Ronald Ludka. In keeping with Shirley's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family interment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Memorials to Wheaton-Franciscan Hospice or Hospice Alliance have been suggested. The family would like to extend a special thanks and recognition for the loving care provided by Wheaton-Franciscan Hospice and Hospice Alliance.