Betty was born to Paul and Ethal (Maine) Millhisler, spearmint and potato farmers in Perry Michigan.
She graduated high school at age 16 with impressive shorthand and typing skills (near 100 words per minute on a manual typewriter) and soon became administrative assistant to the Athletic Director of Michigan.
On June 21, 1947, Betty married Dick (George Richard) Traver (deceased), of Williamston, Michigan, wearing silk and pearls he had brought her from his duty in post-World War II Japan. Together they continued farming on the Traver family homesteads and milk hauling; family businesses that existed for over 100 years. They developed a nationally known Jersey dairy herd, after a devastating barn fire in 1955 destroyed virtually all the previous herd.
Betty was an active community leader in Eastern Star, MSU Extension 4-H, and Farm Bureau. She was a strong, persuasive public advocate for agriculture as a Farm Bureau State Ambassador.
Betty’s keen sharp wit, sense of humor, and her warm, supporting personality were cherished by many of her family and friends. Her many travels with her sister-in-law and close friends became legendary. She loved horses and rode the Michigan shore-to-shore trail several times.
Betty Traver is preceded in death by her husband Dick, brothers Charles and Stanley, and her parents.
She is survived by daughter Diane Traver (Dennis Oyster husband), son Marc Paul, son Kirk Adams, and son Keith Richard (Julie Smith Traver, wife), as well as grandchildren Kate Oyster Tees (Michael Tees, husband), Sean Traver, Sarah Traver Sheridan (Nick Sheridan, husband), Luke Traver Oyster, and 2 great-grandchildren (Gabriel Tees, Beau Sheridan) and sister-in-law Ruth Martin Millhisler.
The family is grateful to Haven of Rest, 2447 Williamston Rd., for their loving care of Betty in her final years and suggests memorial donations to Haven of Rest, Sparrow Hospice, or the Alzheimer's Association.
Please join the family Thursday Nov. 8th at 11am for the funeral service held at Gorsline Runciman’s Williamston Chapel, 205 E. Middle St. The family welcomes visitors Wednesday from 5-8pm at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.grwilliamston.com.
