Gayle Ann Travis

Gayle  Ann  Travis, 41, native of Ruidoso and resident of Albuquerque, passed  away early Saturday morning, March 4, 2006. Born on November 13, 1964,  Gayle is survived by her father, David Hail Travis, and her sister, Susan Lee Travis of Ruidoso. She was preceded in death by  her mother, Winnifred Katharine Stryker Travis. Gayle was granddaughter  of Texas artists Olin Herman Travis and Kathryne Hail Travis. Gayle held  a BA in English Literature from UNM and a Master of Library Science  from TWU. For the past five years, she served the community of  Albuquerque as children's librarian at the Lomas Tramway Public Library.  Gayle authored the 1995 Texas Reading Club Manual, Once Upon a Planet, and was contributor to the same series in the 2001 To the Library and Beyond. She most recently contributed the New Mexico segment of Quilt the States: Piecing Together America,  published by National Geographic. Gayle served on the Texas Library  Association board of directors while living in McKinney, TX. An  accomplished children's entertainer and story weaver, “Miss Gayle” often  presented workshops on creative dramatics and improvisational games for  children. For some time she performed with the Dallas-based  improvisational comedy troupe, Virtual Insanity. She was an avid ice  skating fan and counted among her experiences, white water rafting and  hot air ballooning.

Gayle is remembered for her brilliant smile  and zany sense of humor which touched the hearts and imaginations of  both children and adults. Nicknamed “Timber,” she worked as camp  counselor and riding director for several years before becoming Camp  Director for Camp Mary White in Mayhill, NM from 1990-1992. Her  commitment to the well-being of both campers and counselors led to many  rich and deeply treasured friendships.

Friends and family alike  are inspired by the dignity and courage with which she faced the  debilitating combination of Lupus and lung cancer. We will forever  cherish this brave beautiful woman who so lovingly and humorously graced  our lives. You live in our hearts, Gaylee-bird!

Memorial contributions in Gayle's name may be made to Friends of Camp  Mary White, Inc., PO Box 525, Amarillo, TX 79105.  You are welcome  to save and print the memory book listed at the top of this page, or we  will gladly send you a printed and bound version if requested through  the email address on the home page.  Thank you for remembering our dear Gayle.