Barbara Ledig

Barbara Joan Ledig (maiden name Best) passed away peacefully under Hospice Care on July 31st, 2025 at the age of 89 at her home in Nixa Missouri. Born on November 26th, 1935 in Newark NJ to Raymond and Lillian Best, Barbara exhibited a love for dance early on and pursued that passion throughout her primary and teenage years. 

At one point she attended auditions for the New York City Rockettes but never even got her tap shoes on because she was too short! Not one to give up, she then auditioned for (and landed) a spot in the New York based touring group the Roxyettes.After she returned from her tour, Barbara married the love of her life Lou (Louie) Ledig and they were married until his passing in 2019. In 1959, Barbara opened the “Barbara Joan School of Dance” initially in Iselin and then moving to Edison New Jersey. 

Barbara maintained that business until 1979 when she moved from Edison to Lake Hopatcong NJ. She was beloved by her students, one recently writing “Some people just come into your life and make a forever place. She was that person.” Once moving to Lake Hopatcong, Barbara worked for a short time at the Gibson Greeting card company and continued her love for dance by teaching at the Dance Connection in Morris County NJ. 

In 1990, Barbara and Lou moved to the Tuckerton/Little Egg Harbor area of NJ where she worked for Stockton State College (now Stockton University) until her retirement. In 2021, Barbara moved to Missouri and spent her remaining years living with her daughter and son in law and enjoying the fun of Branson, the beauty of the Ozarks and the love of family members who visited often. 

As for family, Barbara and Lou raised two sons (Al and Ron) and a daughter (Laura) in a secure and loving environment where the door was always open and friends and family always felt at home. Barbara is survived by her loving children Laura (Tom) Culleny and Ron (Carrie) Hughes. Also, her wonderful grandchildren Caitlin Culleny, Amy Culleny, Dan (Skyla) Culleny, Erin Culleny, Gretchen Ledig and Brooke Hughes. Her very special great grandchildren include Bella Rose, Gracie Jeanne, Jasper and fosters who cannot be named publicly but are loved just the same. Barbara also leaves behind her brother Robert (Maggie) Best, sister in law Janice Swicinski, nieces Kim & Debbie and nephew Scott. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents (Raymond and Lillian Best), her husband (Lou Ledig) and her son (Alan Ledig). 

Cremation is being handled by Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services in Springfield Missouri with final arrangements being handled by Maxwell Funeral Home in Little Egg Harbor NJ. 

Barbara’s final resting place will be at Whiting Memorial Park in Whiting NJ where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband and son at a future date. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: The Parkinson’s Foundation www.parkinson.orgOr to one of her favorite charities:Tunnels to Towers https://t2t.orgSt Judes https://www.stjude.org

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