Rita Ann Glidden a longtime resident of Lava Hot Springs, passed away at home with family by her side on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. Rita moved to Lava after her husband, Donald Glidden retired from the Air Force. She was born in North Bend, Nebraska to Ira and Mildred Papa on October 2, 1936. Rita went to rural grade school, worked on the family farm and graduated from North Bend High School before marrying George Fiala. She worked all her life in various jobs and as a homemaker. During her time as a military wife, she lived in Nebraska, Georgia, Arizona, California, and Florida before settling in Idaho in 1986.

Rita loved her family, friends, animals, dancing, ceramics, cards and gardening. She contributed to the community as an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels, South Bannock County Museum, and the Lava Senior Center and was a member of the American Leagon Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law Sarah Glidden, and grandson Andrew Fiala. Rita is survived by her husband Donald Glidden, two children David Fiala (Linda DiGregorio) and June Squires, granddaughter Lynsey (Joe) Cox, great-grandaughter Zada Cox, brother Richard (Celine) Papa, nephews Denny and Dean (Judy) Papa, aunt Sally (Doug) Loseke, two bothers-in-law Ray and William (Judy) Glidden, nephews Don and John Glidden. She will be missed by all her friends and family.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 11:00am at the Horsley’s Marsh Valley Funeral Home, 570 N Meadowview Dr. Friends may visit with the Glidden family Tuesday morning from 9:30-10:45am prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at 4:00 pm at the Bruneau Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Horsley’ Marsh Valley Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.horsleyfuneralhome.com