Gladys Marlene Rancjik Fata, 95, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Morgantown Heights Nursing Facility in Morgantown. Gladys was born to the late James E. and Bessie Hall Rancjik in Osage, on July 5, 1930.
A woman of faith and boundless friendliness, Gladys spent her days spreading love, engaging in cherished community traditions, and fervently supporting her beloved WVU Mountaineers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. She gracefully balanced the roles of a devoted family member, an active church participant, and an enthusiastic supporter of her local sports teams.
Gladys was the last remaining member of her family.
In addition to her parents, Gladys was preceded in death by her dear husband, Johnny, with whom she shared a passion for dance and entertaining. She also joins her sisters: Ginny Rancjik, Bessie Lee Beard (Richard), Mary Lou Hughes (Bill) and JoAnne Grimm (Benny); her brother, James “Buster” Rancjik (Jeannine); and her niece and nephews: Louann Beard, Eddie Rancjik and Billy Hughes in eternal rest.
Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Michelle Fata, who stood by her as a loving testament to Gladys’s motherly love. Her warmth and nature also extended to her dear nieces and nephews, and the numerous cousins who fondly referred to her as “Aunt Gladys.” This affectionate nickname was not limited to family members; Gladys was known as “Aunt Gladys” throughout her community, a testament to her open heart and inclusive spirit. She was also an honorary grandmother to Griffin, Jason, and Emily.
Throughout her life, Gladys was deeply involved in her church communities. At Scotts Run Settlement House Church, she lifted spirits with her voice in the choir and later shared her gift of song at the Westover United Methodist Church, where she remained a member until her eyesight dimmed. Yet, her faith never wavered, and she remained an embodiment of devotion and spiritual grace.
Her interests spanned not only music and sports but also the simple pleasures of life, like relishing conversations with friends and looking forward to her weekly hair appointments with Lori. Once an astonishing entertainer alongside her husband and sister Ginny, she held onto the joy of dance and celebration in her heart, sharing stories and laughter with those around her.
To know Gladys was to know love itself. She was the embodiment of friendliness, always ready with a kind word or a smile, and living a life deeply rooted in faith. Her legacy is one of love and happy memories, which brighten our lives like the melodies of the choirs she so dearly adored.
Her spirit, though no longer with us in person, continues to uplift and inspire, encouraging us to live as she did, with open hearts, unceasing faith, and contagious joy.
Friends may gather at McCulla Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, and again from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, followed by the funeral service with Pastor Stacy Chrise-Tritt officiating. Burial will follow at Beverly Hills Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McCulla.com
