Betty Jean Travis, age 85, of Dundee, New York, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her favorite chair on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Born on February 13, 1941, in Montour Falls, New York, she was the daughter of the late Howard J. and Anna Elizabeth (Shires) Gilbert.
On March 6, 1958, Betty married Gordon D. Travis. The couple immediately began their family, welcoming four sons. Her life centered on her boys, and she devoted herself as a full-time caregiver to her two youngest sons, who both suffered from Muscular Dystrophy. When she was able to work, Betty was employed in the vineyards by Lew Green, later at Central Supply in Soldiers & Sailors Hospital in Penn Yan. She then worked in housekeeping for several hotels in the Watkins Glen area, including the Glen Motor Inn and Chieftain Motel. Her experience led her back into healthcare, where she joined the housekeeping and laundry department at the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home, retiring in 2005. In retirement, she enjoyed accompanying her husband and son as they chauffeured friends from the Mennonite community.
Above all, Betty cherished her role as grandmother. She lovingly cared for her five grandchildren and took great pride in every one of their accomplishments. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Gordon D. Travis Sr.; sons Gordon D. Travis Jr. and Kyle J. (Bridget) Travis of Penn Yan; grandchildren Chelsea (Joseph) Backiel, Darcie Travis, Nathaniel Travis, Rebecca Travis, and Joshua Travis; great-grandchildren Hayden Travis, Aliyah Travis, Nicholas Travis, and Elliot Travis; sister Sharon Thorpe; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, two youngest sons Patrick Travis in 1979 and Randy Travis in 1980, and three brothers, Melvin, Franklin, and Howard Gilbert.
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