Gladys was born May 27, 1916, in Edgemont, SD to Cleve Brown and May (McGovern) Brown. Her early years were spent on the family ranch west of Edgemont. Gladys graduated from Edgemont High School where she was a standout basketball player.

After High School, Gladys worked at Sylvan Lake Resort near Custer, and fell in love with the Black Hills. She also fell in love with Lloyd Raver of Custer, they were married December 24, 1934.

Lloyd and Gladys lived on the family ranch northwest of Custer on Ruby Creek, Where Gladys helped with the small sawmill, a dairy, ranching and farming for over 70 years.

Gladys found joy being part of numerous community activities, the Catholic Church, the neighborhood extension club, a sewing club, she was a 4-H leader, a long term school board member, and enjoyed the neighborhood square dances. (In later years her grand children and great-grandchildren enjoyed her demonstrating the Charleston)> Gladys worked as a volunteer at the 1881 Courthouse Museum in Custer. In her final years she found joy in taking Sunday communion to the homebound "old people". One of Gladys' lifelong joys was reaching out and helping others in need. Her's was always an open door to anyone needing a helping hand, or words of encouragement, or a meal, or someone kind to turn to. She was never rich in worldly terms, but she had a heart of gold and loved helping others. Gladys has left this world, but she leaves her light shining on after her. Today Heaven is a little brighter with one more beautiful Angel. Gladys died at peace, in her home, on her beloved ranch, December 3, 2007 at the age of 91.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, two sisters, Lloyd her husband, an infant daughter, and one each infant granddaughter and grandson.

Gladys is survived by one sister-in-law, Beulah Gordon, Needles, CA; four children, Jeanette Auen, Sturgis, SD; Joe Raver, Custer, SD; Kathleen (Mrs. Charles) Wright, Rapid City, SD; and Ben Raver, Custer, SD. Also, nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and you could often hear her boasting of her ten great great-grandchildren. There are numerous nieces and nephews, and an "extended family" of friends from countries around the globe who affectionately call her "Mom".

Viewing services will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer, Thursday, December 6, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at St. John's on Friday, December 7, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Peter Kovarik officiating.

A scholarship memorial foundation is being set up.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.