Leona “Onie” Travis, 88, of Sidney, died Oct. 7, 2009 at Grape Community Hospital, Hamburg following an extended illness. She was born Dec. 24, 1920 in Imogene to Edmund C. (Clem) Maher and Edna J. (Pet) Skahill Maher.
Onie attended St. Patrick’s School in Imogene then graduated from Sidney High School in 1938.
She worked for the Department of Agriculture’s ASCS office until retiring in 1981. She represented Sidney in the Miss Iowa Contest in Shenandoah in 1939.
She married Ralph F. Travis in Hamburg on June 13, 1940.
She taught children’s religious education classes and was active in the ladies’ organization at St. Mary’s Church. She participated at her children’s school as a room mother and PTA president and with activities. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, serving as unit president and president of the past presidents’ parley. She was active at the senior center. She enjoyed playing cards and was a member of the bridge club for over 40 years.
She was preceded by her sister, Doris (Dorty) McDonald; brothers Maurice, Dick and Duane Maher; and dear friend and companion Leeman Jackson.
She is survived by daughter Kay Morrissey and husband Joe of Sioux City; sons Mike Travis and wife Anne of Sidney, Pat Travis and wife Theresa of Loveland, Colo., and Jerry Travis and wife Robin of Murray; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister Grace Hebenstreit of Omaha; brothers Marvin Maher and wife Kathleen of Omaha and Marty Maher and wife Carolyn of Sidney; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Memorial services were Oct. 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hamburg withe Fr. Vern Smith officiating.
Pallbearers were Pat, Ryan, Kevin and Kyle Morrissey and Mike Sean and Mark Travis.
Interment of ashes was at Sidney Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to her church or Sidney Senior Center.
