Betty Jean Travis

Dundee/Starkey: 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 4 sons. Her life and love revolved around her boys, as she was a fulltime 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 in Soldiers & Sailors Hospital in Penn Yan. She eventually transitioned into housekeeping for several area hotels in the Watkins Glen area including the Glen Motor Inn, and Chieftain Motel. Her expertise and experience opened the opportunity to get 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 from in 2005. Not one to sit idly at home, her retirement years were spent joining her husband and son chauffeuring all the friends they made in the Mennonite community.

Betty gave of herself watching and caring for her five grandchildren. She absolutely loved and cherished every minute of it. She was so proud of everyone and all of their accomplishments. She deeply loved her 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

She will be dearly missed by her husband of 68 years, Gordon D. Travis Sr. at home; 2 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.

Besides her parents, she was pre-deceased by her two youngest sons, Patrick Travis in 1979, and Randy Travis in 1980; and 3 brothers Melvin, Franklin, and Howard Gilbert.

Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.