Mary West (Adams) Traylor

Mary West (Adams) Traylor was born February 2, 1944 at Camp Rucker, Dothan, Alabama to Mary Nan West Adams and Joseph Clarence Adams, Jr. and died June 28, 2025 at home, on the family ranch in Zavala County where she was raised. She received her elementary and secondary education at Saint Mary’s Hall, and she later attended Rice University.

In 1976 mutual friends introduced her to Richard Traylor, son of a dear family friend, Leonard Traylor. Richard was a rancher recently returned to San Antonio from New Mexico. He was raising his three children, Kelley, Lacey and Lane, alone while operating ranches in both states. He and Mary West married June 4,1978 and were blessed to raise their children while continuing ranching in three states.

They loved working together and with their children. Working cattle in south Texas meant heat, humidity and dirt, but gathering cattle horseback in New Mexico was special fun. They enjoyed camping on the New Mexico ranch or in the mountains to the north. Travel, especially to England, was a great diversion. They always were surrounded by critters- rattlesnakes, horses, Longhorns, burros, dogs and cats. February took all eyes to the skies, everyone eager to sight the first Martin scout, to delight in the colorful visit of Red-Winged Blackbirds on their way cross-country, or to hear the demanding buzz of the first hungry Hummingbird.

Mary West loved the Lord, her wonderful family and her Country. She respected the land, and she was a staunch conservative.

Also, she was involved in several civic, educational and charitable organizations. Among them were The Battle of Flowers Association, The Witte Museum, The San Antonio Livestock Exposition Scholarship Program, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Cancer Center Council, Military-Civilian Club, Los Compadres, Fiesta San Antonio Commission, Kansas Livestock Association, New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Order of the Eastern Star- Star of Germany Chapter #1.

Her husband of 47 years, Richard Clyde Traylor, survives her. Also surviving her are their children, Kelley Gilpin and husband John II, Lacey Moore and husband Kurt, Lane Traylor and wife Tiffany, their eleven grandchildren, Conradt Moore, William Gilpin and wife Allyson, Sloane Moore, Richard Gilpin, Aubrey Moore, Reece Traylor, Sterling Moore, Katherine Gilpin, Mason Traylor, John Gilpin III, Aidan Moore, and their beloved sister-in laws, Lollie Brusenhan and Barbara Traylor Renfro.

She was preceded in death by both parents and, sadly, by her younger sister, Robbie Lucille Adams Bodden, her niece, Margaret Bodden Erickson, and much loved friend and cousin, Scott Abbey West.

Mary West will lie in state on Sunday, July 6, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78212. The family will not be present, but all who wish to pay their respects are welcome to do so during this time.

A memorial service will take place on Monday, July 7, 2025, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212.