Top Row, Bottom Row Left: Smith, circa 1977-
Bottom, Far Right: Smith, circa 1966-68

Annabelle Marie Rankin-Ludwig-Smith
Missing since approximately June 15, 1982 from Cridersville, Allen County, Ohio
Classification: Missing

Vital Statistics

• Date Of Birth: December 31, 1941
• Age at Time of Disappearance: 40 years old
• Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 5'4" - 5'6"; 120-145 lbs.
• Distinguishing Characteristics: White Female. Auburn hair; hazel eyes.
• Marks, Scars: Annabelle has a beauty mark / mole above upper lip along with other moles on various locations on her body. She has a fatty deposit on her upper thigh of leg. No known scars / tattoos / piercings. She suffered a broken wrist as a child that never healed properly and the bone protruded from the wrist under the skin.
• Medical Conditions: Substance abuser at the time of disappearance. May have been suffering from bipolar disorder.
• AKA: Annabelle Rankin; Annabelle Ludwig; Annabelle Smith
• Dentals: Not Available
• Fingerprints: Not Available
• DNA: Available

Circumstances of Disappearance
Annabelle was last seen residing with her ex-husband, Robert Ludwig, and three children at their home in Cridersville, Ohio approximately June 15, 1982. This area borders Auglaize County, in Northwest Ohio.
Annabelle and Robert were married in 1960, had first divorced in 1977, after a turbulent marriage which included separations, divorce proceedings, and extramarital affairs of both parties.
Annabelle then married a "Smith" for a month and then returned to residing with Robert Ludwig in 1978 and moved from Mt. Cory, Ohio / Hancock County to Cridersville, Ohio / Allen County. Family members, court documents, law enforcement reports and witnesses verify that Annabelle and Robert had a turbulent coexistence and Annabelle had a tendency to leave the residence / family without notice for periods of time (days - weeks) but then return the same way.
Annabelle was involved with other men and was a substance abuser. Prior to her disappearance, Annabelle had been involved with a man who departed Ohio in 1980-1981 and moved to Florida for several years and returned in late 1980's.
Annabelle had made statements that she wanted to leave to go to Florida with him, but did not at the time the man departed Ohio.
Just prior to her disappearance in 1982, Annabelle mentioned receiving a correspondence from this man, and was going to leave to go to Florida. After this point, family advised Annabelle just was not there anymore. Family advised it was normal behavior for Annabelle to just leave, so at the time it was not unusual behavior. Annabelle did not leave any note or letter stating where she had gone.
Annabelle has not been heard from or contacted anybody since 1982, even at the time of the deaths of her parents.
Annabelle Ludwig did not have a drivers license and did not work at time of disappearance.
No known jewelery she always wore. No known clothing she always wore or sizes / brands / shoe size. No medical records available. She had four children through natural child birth.

Investigators
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:

Hancock County Sheriffs Office
Detective Barry Boutwell - Unit #L28
419-424-2424
419-424-7234

Agency Case Number: C9504189

NCIC Number: M-836331366
Please refer to this number when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.

Source Information:
Hancock County Sheriffs Office