Gladys Marie Tauer

ANVIL, Mich. - Gladys Marie Tauer, 78, a longtime resident of Anvil, passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, with her loving family by her side.

Gladys was born on Nov. 17, 1935, in Anvil Location, Bessemer, the daughter of the late Domenic and Albertina (Callovi) Chiapuzio. She attended Anvil and Ramsay grade schools and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer in 1953.

A few years after graduation, Gladys moved to Milwaukee. There she met Balant "Bonny" Rihtarshick and they married on Oct. 2, 1965. They eventually moved back to the area and were blessed with a son, Gary. Gladys and Bonny played music together with her brother, Jack, at various taverns in Milwaukee and on the Gogebic Range. They were well loved.

Gladys had a beautiful voice and there were always requests to hear her sing. People often compared her to the Queen of Country, Kitty Wells. She played the guitar and accordion. Bonny preceded her in death on Nov. 27, 1969.

On Nov. 20, 1971, Gladys married Charles Tauer. She continued to play with various musicians in the area. They were blessed with two daughters, Cindy and Wendy. They would have celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary this Thursday. Gladys loved to go for car rides with Chuck and made him stop at any store along the way!

She was well known for her love of holiday decorating and Thanksgiving pies.

Gladys would move the earth for her family and loved dearly her husband, Chuck, children and grandchildren. Even in her final stages of Alzheimer's, her eyes would light up the second she saw Chuck's face or heard his voice.

Gladys is survived by her husband, Chuck; a son, Gary Rihtarshick; two daughters, Cindy (Andrew) Perttunen and Wendy (Gary) Miljevich; three grandchildren, Kaylee, Dane and Garette; two brothers, James (Carol) Chiapuzio and Bob (Carole) Chiapuzio; three sisters, Margie Chiapuzio, Janet (John) Juonie and Debi (Bill) Joki; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Chiapuzio and Mary Ellen Chiapuzio; numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; and special friends of the family, Nancy Froemming and Betty Nowacki.

Preceding her in death are two brothers, Domenic Chiapuzio Jr. and Jack Chiapuzio; two sisters, Janet Grace, in infancy, and Peggy Chiapuzio; and a nephew, Brian Chiapuzio.

Friends may call at the Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014, from 5 to 7 p.m., where recitation of the rosary will take place at 6:45 p.m.

Visitation will continue on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, from 10:30 to 11 a.m., at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Antony Lukka as celebrant.

Following the Mass, lunch will be served in Father Swoboda Hall at the church.

Pallbearers will be her son, Gary and Jim Chiapuzio, Bob Chiapuzio, John Juonie, Bill Joki and Jeff Chiapuzio.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at a later date in Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel, Wakefield, Jerald Rocco, owner-manager. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.

We love you so much! You will forever be loved and missed. Please watch over and guide us! Until we meet again...