Roberta Mott Traviss

Roberta Mott Traviss was born June 25, 1929, on the Hulsizer farm located in Altoona, Iowa which is now known as Copper Creek to Walter and Clara Mott. At the age of four she moved to Runnells, Iowa and was baptized October 1, 1944, in Runnells Christian Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was a cheerleader and played on the girls’ basketball team all four of her years at Runnells High School. Beautiful as well as energetic, she was the 1946 Football Queen. Upon graduation in 1947 she worked in Des Moines as a secretary until her marriage to RM Traviss September 27, 1952. Roberta attended Staves Church upon her marriage to RM, joining in 1954, and she enjoyed her friendships she made while there.

Roberta passed away Monday, October 28, 2024, at the age of 95. She was blessed to raise and is survived by five children, Rhonda (Dwight deceased) Grieser, Sherri (Jim) Pike, Randy (Georgia) Traviss, Sheila (Bonita) Traviss, and Jeff (Kelly) Traviss. She is survived by seven grandchildren, Christopher Grieser, Sarah Pruneda (Antuand), Amanda Hohnstreiter (Jeremy), Caleb Pike (Nicole), Madison Traviss, Mallory Traviss, and Huston Traviss; four great grandchildren, Cadence and Maisie Pike, and Raegan and Rozlyn Pruneda. She was predeceased by her parents and four brothers, Carl (Joyce), Duane (Eunice), Arthur (Barbara), and Billy. Marilyn Mott is her surviving sister-in-law.

Roberta not only served as Vice President to Traviss Television and Electronics, she kept wise and compassionate counsel to her children. Roberta was a loyal Hawkeye fan, a collector of signed photographs of world leaders and celebrities, she loved people and animals, especially dogs and they all loved her. She was especially fond of Elizabeth Taylor and was tickled at their correspondence. She loved her flowers, shopping, getting her hair done and the friendships she made at the salon. She kept a daily journal of her thoughts, feelings and opinions that will be a legacy for her children. Mom wanted to be remembered as a person who cared for others. She loved calling on those who may have been forgotten. Mom remembered everybody and cared for their happiness. Her family meant the world to her and she was thankful for her friends. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her honor to Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Staves United Methodist Church, or Runnells Christian Church.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral service at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Staves Memorial United Methodist Church, 2747 East Madison Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. There will be a luncheon immediately following the funeral. Burial will then take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery. You will be able to live stream her service the day of the funeral through the link below.

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