Helen Mae Travis

Helen Mae Travis, age 103, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2020 in West Branch, Michigan. She was born on August 8, 1917 in Reed City, MI to Alf and Marie (Hipper) Zimmerman. She has been in the loving care of West Branch Manor since February 2016.

After graduation from high school, Helen went to Baker College to receive a secretarial degree. She worked for her father, who was the Osceola County Treasurer. Helen was always looking for an adventure and she decided to take flying lessons at the airport in Big Rapids. It was there that she met her future husband, Howard Travis. He was the airport manager and flying instructor. The two fell in love and married in 1940. Helen went to work at the airport as Howard’s secretary. Helen earned a pilot’s license and together would deliver planes to California. Helen and Howard moved to Muskegon, MI in 1965 and raised their family. Howard passed away in 1969 and Helen continued to raise the children on her own.

Helen, being artistic, was accomplished in china painting, watercolor and oil painting. She enjoyed traveling and toured Italy, Spain, Egypt, England, Norway, Thailand, Kenya and taken yearly trips to New York to watch Broadway shows with her friends. Helen also was an avid gardener and enjoyed bird watching.

Helen is survived by her children Beth Hollis, FL, Kathleen Travis, CO, and Howard and Adele(Boehm) Travis, West Branch; grandchildren, Jeffrey Travis, spouse Colleen and baby, Galin, OR, Steven Travis, spouse Clare and baby, Niamh, ID. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com