Avice Irene Travers

Avice Rye Travers, 91, of 2526 Van Pelt Rd., Sebring, went home to be with the Lord on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, her favorite holiday. Sault Ste Marie, Michigan was the birthplace of this only daughter of Floyd and Margaret Rye, on March 19, 1921. At age fourteen, Avice was walked home from the town skating rink by the young man she would spend her life loving. Seven years later, on October 3, 1942, after she attended the University of Michigan, Russ Travers would walk his beautiful bride down the aisle. After their wedding, they would only have seven days together before he was shipped out to war. Nine months later, she gave birth to the first of their six children, and raised Linda alone for two full years, not seeing Russ again until his tour of duty was complete. This was the beginning of a strong marriage that lasted over 50 years, till death do us part in 1993, when Russ passed on from lung cancer. Their life journey took them from Michigan to Wisconsin, and six kids later, they brought their family and tannery business to Sebring in 1959, opening Southern Leather Company. Years later, Avices third child, David, opened a tannery of his own, where she loved working as bookkeeper and general assistant until the age of eighty-eight. During her later work years, she dedicated nearly her entire salary for gifts to family and others. In addition to raising a busy family and working, Avice served women through the First Presbyterian Church and Christian Business Womens ministry. Throughout their marriage, Avice enjoyed Russs singing barbershop, traveling with him each year to conventions. Avice was a devoted wife and mother, who lived her whole life for others. Her deep faith in Christ set her constantly praying for family and friends. Avices love was returned to her abundantly by her children, who surround4ed her with love, caring diligently for her, allowing her to die at home amongst family. Her faith, generosity, hospitality and persevering spirit influenced her six children; Linda Travers, Sebring; Barbara (Rocky) Snapp, Sebring; Jim (Vivian) Travers, Sebring; Dave (Becky) Travers, Sebring; Pete (Laurie) Travers, Longwood, FL and Paul Travers, Sebring that she leaves behind. In addition to sons and daughters-in-law who she treated as her own, Avice was proud of her 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Avice, you fought the good fight of faith and you will be dearly missed. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church of Sebring, where she was a member, with Rev. Darrell Peer officiating. The family will receive friends the hour preceding the service, beginning at 2:00 p.m. For friends who wish, Avice, as a breast cancer survivor, would want donations to be gifted To The American Cancer Society. Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Sebring, Florida 33870 863-385-0125 www.stephensonnelsonfh.com