Lavida B. Traxler

Lavida Bernice Traxler, born on October 25, 1935, in Roswell, NM, went home to be with her beloved Jesus on December 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. The third of four daughters born to Stanley and Hazel Whitehead, she was given the name Lavida, “ the Life”. She loved telling others the meaning of her name, and she truly lived her life to the fullest!

Lavida Traxler lived a life dedicated to her faith in Jesus Christ and to her family and leaves a legacy of love and service. Lavida is survived by five children: Sherrie Traxler, Mara Traxler, Catherine Traxler, Terry Traxler (wife, Evelyn), and Chad Traxler; 10 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Raised in Roswell, NM, her earliest memories were of the small two-room farmhouse she lived in with her parents and sisters, Geneva, Lilla, and Marthella. The family later moved into town, where she attended school and graduated from Roswell High School in 1953. Lavida attended Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she met the love of her life, Theodore “Ted” Traxler, a young Airman stationed at Walker Air Force Base. They were married on July 16, 1953, and at the time of Ted’s passing on September 13, 2024, they had been married 71 years.

The newlyweds settled in Roswell, where their first child was born. After Ted’s discharge from the Air Force, they moved back to his hometown of Ottumwa, IA. With one child and two more soon to arrive, she worked at a local grocery store to help financially while Ted finished college. In 1962, came a move back to Roswell, and another child added to the family. During this time, Lavida’s amazing artistic talent and entrepreneurial spirit began to blossom when, in addition to making most of her family’s clothing, she began a career selling and marketing with Beauty Counselor, a facial care and make-up company. She also was an accomplished pianist and singer, using her talent in every church she attended.

1974 brought many changes to Lavida’s life, with another child arriving as well as the couple answering the call to the ministry of starting Christian schools across the country in cities including Santa Fe, NM; Ottumwa, IA; Lakewood, CO; Connersville, IN; and Springfield, MO. As they moved to the various cities, Lavida continued to pursue her artistic passions by taking painting classes in Indiana, resulting in many beautiful paintings that her family will always cherish, and starting a jewelry and clothing business, naming it “Dressin’ Glitzy” and marketing her creations at craft and vendor shows.

Ted and Lavida retired in Roswell, NM, where she was able to spend precious time with her parents and sisters and continue with her business venue. The couple were leaders in the First Baptist Church, where they served as teachers of a young adult class. Lavida also spent her time visiting residents in a nearby nursing home, where she brought her love and joy. Unfortunately, a stroke in 2011 brought her business to an end and another significant change in Lavida’s life. In 2013, they moved to Colorado Springs to be near family.

Lavida spent her last years surrounded by her family and loved each one, especially the babies. She welcomed people into her home and was a joy to all who knew her with her infectious laugh and humorous stories. She was a true witness for Jesus Christ and was committed to praying for every member of her family. Each person she spent time with was asked if they knew Jesus and if she would see them in Heaven.

Lavida Traxler will be missed by all who knew her. She is forever loved and treasured by her family and friends, and she truly lived a Life worthy of being welcomed into Heaven with the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant”!

A Remembrance Luncheon will be held on January 24, 2026, starting at 12:30 pm at Swan Law Funeral Directors, located at 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, 809003.

A Funeral Service will follow on the same day, January 24, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, US.