Betty Jean TravisDundee, NY

Betty Jean Travis, age 85, of Dundee, NY passed away peacefully in the comfort of her favorite chair on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Honoring her wishes, there will be no calling hours or public service. She will be interred privately in Hillside Cemetery at the convenience of her family.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers may donate to the Dundee Fire Company Emergency Squad, 12 Union St., Dundee, NY 14837.

Betty was born February 13, 1941 in Montour Falls, N.Y., the daughter of the late Howard J. and Anna Elizabeth (Shires) Gilbert. On March 6, 1958 she married Gordon D. Travis. They immediately started a family, welcoming four sons.

Her life and love revolved around her boys, as she was a full-time caregiver for the two youngest, who both suffered from Muscular Dystrophy. When she was able to work, she was employed in the vineyards by Lew Green. She then worked for Central Supply at Soldiers & Sailors Hospital in Penn Yan. She later worked in housekeeping for several area hotels in the Watkins Glen area, including the Glen Motor Inn and the Chieftain Motel.

Her experience led her back into the healthcare field when she was hired in the housekeeping and laundry department at the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home, where she retired in 2005. Not one to sit idle, her retirement years were spent alongside her husband and son, chauffeuring friends they made in the Mennonite community.

Betty also devoted herself to caring for her five grandchildren. She cherished every moment and was proud of all of their accomplishments. She deeply loved her five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She will be dearly missed by her husband of 68 years, Gordon D. Travis Sr., at home; two sons, Gordon D. Travis Jr., also at home, 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; a sister, Sharon Thorpe; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her two youngest sons, Patrick Travis in 1979 and Randy Travis in 1980; and three brothers, Melvin, Franklin, and Howard Gilbert.