Gladys I. Lauhead
Gladys Irene ten-Bensel Bird Lauhead passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025. She was born on February 18, 1931, in the “Little Brown House” in Arapahoe, Nebraska, to Frank and Florence (Heinen) tenBensel. Gladys graduated from Arapahoe High School in 1949, where she was an active member of the choir—a passion for singing that stayed with her throughout her life.
On January 1, 1950, Gladys married Roland F. “Buzz” Bird. Together, they had six children and lived across several states, including Nebraska, California, Texas, South Dakota, Iowa, Wyoming, and Colorado. Gladys was a hardworking and resourceful woman, taking on roles such as waitress, café manager, kitchen assistant, and even alfalfa harvester operator. She was known for her creativity, especially in the kitchen—baking birthday and wedding cakes for family and friends with love and care. Roland passed away in 1980.
Gladys found love again with Virgil V. “Bud” Lauhead, whom she married on October 22, 1993, in Casa Grande, Arizona.
They shared many joyful years together until his passing in 2011. During these years, Gladys embraced an active life filled with travel, Bud’s submarine club, singing in the local Senior Follies, and involvement with her church community at Victory Baptist Church in Casa Grande.
Her warmth and humor were a cherished part of every group she joined.
Gladys is survived by her children: Terry Bird (Connie) of Giltner, NE; Ted Bird (Julie) and Todd Bird (Sheila), both of Rapid City, SD; Candy Carmin (Steve) of Doniphan, NE; and Sandy Heuer (Jeff) of Lincoln, NE. She leaves behind a large and loving family: fifteen grandchildren (including one step-grandchild), forty-two greatgrandchildren (including five step-great-grandchildren), and eight greatgreat- grandchildren.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Florence tenBensel; her husbands, Roland F. Bird and Virgil V. Lauhead; her infant son, Timothy A. Bird; two great-grandchildren, Natoya C. Burns and Aidan M. Bird her sister, Lois Y. Walter; her brother, Don R. tenBensel.
A private graveside service and interment for family and relatives will be held on May 3, 2025 @ 2:30 pm at the Aurora Cemetery. A Celebration of Life, open to everyone, will follow @ 3:00 pm at the Aurora Community Clubhouse in Aurora, Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to “The Michael J. Fox Foundation” Donate on Gladys Tribute Page.
