Gladys Willauer

Gladys K. (Kugler) Willauer, (88), of Parker Ford, widow of Raymond Latshaw Willauer, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 31. Born in Parker Ford, she was the oldest daughter of the late H. Franklin and Violet M. (Malenke) Kugler. Gladys attended both Royersford and Spring City High Schools and graduated from Spring City High School in 1945. At 18 years of age, Gladys served as the organist for the Parker Ford Church of the Brethren, and continued as an organ or piano accompanist for the next sixty-one years. Never having played an organ when she started, Gladys took organ lessons from her cousin, Ferdinand Malenke. Both of Gladys' parents passed away by the time she was 19, and she became the breadwinner for her three sisters, earning an income by working in the office of the former Sircom Knitting Mill, Spring City. Gladys was a long-time correspondent for The Pottstown Mercury, reporting on church and other local news. She often joked that along with two correspondent friends who worked for other area newspapers they formed their own "associated press," and shared information. Gladys also wrote occasional feature stories and contributed writings to a variety of publications. She had a feature story published that described visiting and interviewing author Gladys Taber at her summer home on Cape Cod. Gladys was a member of Parker Ford Church of the Brethren where, in addition to serving as organist, she was Sunday School treasurer, and with her husband, Ray, elected to the office of deacon. The Willauers were the last couple to be elected as deacons to lifetime terms of office. Gladys and her husband, Ray purchased the former Latshaw's Bakery in Spring City from Ray's mother, Ruth Latshaw Willauer, and they became third-generation owners of the family business that had started in 1882. Ray continued to serve as the baker as he did when his mother owned the business, and Gladys tended the store and took care of the accounting. All three of the Willauers' sons served as baker's assistants for their parents. Following the closure of the bakery, Gladys worked as a telemarketer, a job she actually enjoyed. In 1979, she was employed as a receptionist for Dr. Martin Rawdin, optometrist. Eventually becoming office manager, Gladys was employed by Dr. Rawdin for 30 years. Gladys loved words and language, often completing crossword puzzles in ink. She enjoyed playing ScrabbleÂ® and BoggleÂ® with anyone she could find. Gladys also enjoyed Bible study, reading, camping, traveling, and cooking for her family. In addition to her husband, Gladys was predeceased by a sister, Frances (Frankie) K. Leach. Gladys was the beloved mother of three sons, David R., husband of Connie Willauer, Collegeville; Bradley F., husband of Karen Willauer, Pottstown; and Neil H., husband of Jane Willauer, Parker Ford. She is also survived by two sisters, Alice, wife of Herbert N. Yost; and Rose Ella, widow of Robert M. Latshaw; eight grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. A private funeral and interment will be held at the convenience of the family. A memorial service to celebrate Gladys' life will be held at Parker Ford Church, 20 Rinehart Road, Pottstown on Sunday, November 8 at 3:00 p.m., preceded by a time to greet the family at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Gladys' name to the Parker Ford Church Building Fund, 20 Rinehart Road, Pottstown, PA 19465.

Gladys Willauer

October 8, 1927 - October 31, 2015