Gladys Rongey Dies at 88; Longtime Lamplighters Theatre Mainstay

Gladys Rongey, a longtime supporter of Lamplighters Community Theatre in La Mesa and an award-winning producer, died recently after falling at her home in El Cajon, according to the theater group’s Gerry Reeves.

Rongey, a 70-year San Diego County resident, was 88.

In 2006 and 2007, she won Aubrey Awards from the San Diego Association of Community Theatres for producing the Lamplighter musicals Nunsense and Dames at Sea.

“She once taught square dancing for several years in the Kensington area,” Reeves said. “She was an active member of Lamplighters Community Theatre and served as its props manager. She produced many of the plays beginning in the late 1980s.”

Rongey died Dec. 17. No services were held, but a celebration of life is planned with details to be announced shortly, Reeves said.

In addition, she served six other community theaters throughout the county.

A Hoover High School graduate in 1943, Rongey married her high school sweetheart, Larry, who died in 1992. He designed many of the La Mesa theater group’s sets.
     
In her later years, Rongey was known for her signature hats and warm greeting to patrons at Lamplighters. She taught audition techniques in her home in recent years.
     
“She was one of the constants in our theater, a legend, and an active participant who will be sorely missed by our theater and its Board of Directors,” said Judy Hughes, Lamplighters treasurer and board member. “She will also be missed by our patrons, who had become so accustomed to her warm and friendly welcome.”
       
Lamplighters is conducting a campaign to reopen after a period of darkness.

 “We are very close to finding a new facility and it is a shame that Gladys will not be here to witness a resurrection of our theater,” Hughes said. “She was an avid participant who never missed an opening night, and who rarely missed any performance.”

Gladys is survived by a daughter, Denise, in Oregon, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
        
A scholarship in her memory has been established by the Lamplighters Board of Directors. Donations are welcome and may be sent to Lamplighters Community Theatre, P.O. Box 2989, La Mesa, CA 91943-2989.