Wilma Traver

Wilma (Billie) Sharlene Traver, 95, passed away on February 23, 2013 at Riverside Lodge in Dousman, WI. She was born October 17, 1917 on a farm near Palmyra, Nebraska to John and Cordelia (Deibel) Miller. Billie's mother, Cordelia, passed away in 1925. In 1930 John married Edith (Dedum) Viox. Billie continually mentioned that she was very happy that Dedum became her mother. Billie grew up in Palmyra, Nebraska. She graduated from Nebraska City High School in Nebraska City, Nebraska in 1935. After high school she attended Peru State Teachers College. Billie taught rural school on Otoe County, Nebraska for 8 years. In her later years she was a bookkeeper for the Nebraska State Department of Education. However, to Billie, her most important jobs were as a wife, homemaker and mother to her 2 sons! Billie met George Baylis Traver when she was a hostess at a USO dance. After a 1 month courtship they were married on May 16, 1945 in Lincoln, Nebraska. They were happily married for 64 years. Before Billie and George moved to WI in 2006, they lived in Lincoln, Nebraska for 60 years. While there, they were members of Vine Congregational Church. Nebraska football became a passion of Billie's at an early age. She and her daddy would listen to the games on the radio. She never outgrew her love of the Cornhuskers! Many a Thanksgiving dinner was postponed because there was THE big game between Nebraska and Oklahoma. Billie enjoyed knitting sweaters, afghans and doll clothes. She also enjoyed painting. Their cat was a frequent subject along with bouquets of flowers. She was an avid reader who especially enjoyed Nebraska history and Willa Cather. Playing Bridge with their group of friends was also a monthly event. Billie was a spectacular baker and had a huge sweet tooth! She delighted in giving her boys a homemade dessert every afternoon when they got home from school. She was also known for her delicious fried chicken and potato salad. Billie was a devoted hiker and that passion continued throughout her life. She was always thrilled to play with her grandchildren. She had an incredible knowledge of the stars, planets and evening sky. We are blessed that she passed that delight on to her sons and all of her grandchildren! Billie continued her love of learning her entire life. She completed a crossword puzzle every day. She was the 'go to' person if anyone had a question. If Billie didn't immediately know the answer she did research until she found it and would get back with the answer as quickly as possible. Billie was preceded in death by her beloved husband George in 2009, her mother, father and stepmother, her sisters Eileen, Eloise and Liz. Billie is survived by her sons, Thomas Devlin (Paulette) Traver of Oconomowoc, WI and Harold (Sherry) Traver, Parker, CO; grandchildren, Cara (Andrew) Killgore, Cincinnati, OH, Ellen (George) Nill, Whitefish Bay, WI; Luke (Carol) Traver, Oostburg, WI; Natalie (Collin) Knaub, Fountain, CO; Brent Traver, Denver, CO; Tyler Traver, Parker, CO. Additionally she is survived by 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2:00 PM at Ewald Chapel, Three Pillars, Village on the Square; 375 State Road 67 in Dousman, WI. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Three Pillars, c/o Joel Lammers, 400 North Main Street, Dousman, WI 53118.