Dorothy M (Bechthold) Travis

Dorothy was born to Lillie and Conrad Bechthold in Lipscomb County and was a lifelong Texas Panhandle resident, only traveling a few years  to California in the late 50s with her husband Don. She grew up on a farm near Darrouzett, and graduated in 1944 from Darrouzett high school.  She attended business college in Enid and married her high school sweetheart Don Travis in 1946.  When Don began his career as a pastor in 1966, She managed a pastors parsonage in Adrian, Amarillo, Higgins, Post, Monday/Goree, and Claude Texas.  She and Don enjoyed many years in their RV, or what she referred to as their motor home, which always made Don smile.  Dorothy was a gifted seamstress, quilter and enjoyed ceramics.  She was a loyal and dependable wife and mother, making the world predictable and safe.  In January 2016 Don and Dorothy celebrated 70 years of marriage.  

Dorothy is preceded in death by her oldest son, Larry (1976), and Don (2016).  She is survived by her children Tanya Travis, Clayton Travis and Donette (Randy)  Lutz and daughter-in-law Roxann Travis.  Dorothy enjoyed a close and enduring love with her sister Irene Gensman, and her brothers Clyde (JoAnn) Bechthold and Herbert (Helen Ann) Bechthold, who all cared for her in her last days at The Seasons in Perryton and Twin Oaks in Booker Tx. She leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grand children who inherited her joy and wit.  If there is one word to describe her it would be dutiful.  She met the needs of everyone around her without neglecting herself.  She was deeply intelligent in a way that is quiet, curious and observing.  She avoided unnecessary conflict and was an example of old fashion manners that we could all use today.