Wanda Lee Travis, age 83, passed away peacefully Friday, August 14, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.
Wanda was born November 7, 1942, the daughter of John and Alma (Ardner) Young. She graduated from Shepherd High School in 1960 and attended Northwood. Wanda worked for the Isabella County Extension Office and later spent more than 18 years working for Elmore & Ross CPA and Ross & Ross CPA.
Wanda married Robert Travis on April 7, 1962, and together they shared 64 years of marriage. She worked side by side with her husband and children on the family farm and took great pride in her family and the life they built together.
One of the greatest passions of Wanda’s life was 4-H. She was a 4-H leader for an incredible 48 years and was very involved with the 4-H program throughout Isabella County. She served as a poultry superintendent for 45 years and was also involved as an administrative leader with the Rural Routers 4-H Club. What began with supporting her own children in their 4-H activities grew into a lifelong commitment to helping young people. Wanda loved watching not only her children, but her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in 4-H. Just as importantly, she was always willing to help other children discover and continue their own passions through the program. Countless young people benefited from Wanda’s encouragement, knowledge, and willingness to give her time.
Wanda also enjoyed crocheting and treasured getting together once a month with her former classmates. Above all, family remained at the center of her life, and she especially enjoyed supporting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in the things that were important to them.
Wanda is survived by her husband of 64 years, Robert Travis; her children, Sandra (Greg) McClintic, Larry (Shannon) Travis, Linda Meader, Dennis (Pam) Travis, Keith (Kay McLain) Travis, Dan Travis, and Darlene (Doug) Misenhelder; 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; sister-in-law Elzada Erickson; brother-in-law Al Barnikow; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents John and Alma Young; stepmother, Hilda Young; sister, Joyce Young; son-in-law Mark Maeder; and in-laws, Norbert and Louise Travis, Kenneth and Georgia Travis, Dud Erickson, Leota Mae Barnikow, and Phillip and Joyce Leonard; and Aunts and Uncles Clinton, Leon, and Anna Young.
Visitation for Wanda will be held Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Berry Funeral Home in Shepherd.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Shepherd United Methodist Church, with Jean Thrush officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The service will be livestreamed on https://youtube.com/@sumcmi
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Wanda’s honor to the Isabella County 4-H Council or Shepherd United Methodist Church.
