Barbara Jean Traver, 82, passed away leaving a legacy of love, devotion, and creativity. Born in Clinton on February 4, 1944, she was the cherished daughter of Frank and Helen (Hansen) Ekland. Barb grew up in Clinton and later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Western Illinois University. On September 2, 1960, she married Lynn Traver, in Clinton. Together, they co-owned and operated an appliance store in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. According to her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
While raising their four children, Barb was affectionately known as the ultimate “Band Mom”—always fixing costumes, styling hair, and even chaperoning memorable trips including a special trip to Washington, D.C. Professionally, she excelled as an accountant and supervisor at Hawkeye Chemical/ PSI, and later shared her warmth and patience as a teacher’s aide at Camanche High School. Barb had a passion for bringing beauty into the world. She spent her days tending to her garden; her family and friends considered her the ultimate expert on all things flowers. She was also a gifted baker who created beautifully decorated cakes for family celebrations. An avid genealogist, she spent countless hours researching ancestry for her loved ones. Barb had a rare gift for finding things that needed a little love and transforming them with her magical touch. Above all, she lived for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending every single milestone and event she possibly could. To know Barb was to love her, as she treated everyone she met like family.
Barb is survived by her husband, Lynn; her children, Tom Traver of Clinton, Christine (Jeff) Kott of Crystal Lake, IL, and Amy (Joe) Blauert of Saint Paul, MN; her beloved grandchildren, Lucas Traver, Nathan (Roxi) Traver, Amanda (Justin) Thoms,
Jackie Duchow, Reuben (Stephanie) Duchow, Daniel Benton, Tiffany Benton, Michelle (Brent) Sanders, Ashley (Chris) Reichert, Molly (Tanner) Brainerd, Brennan Kramer; great-grandchildren; her sisters, Linda Pennock of Clinton and Paula Mallory of Cedar Falls, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Vicki Duchow; and her brother, Donnie Ekland. Her warmth and kindness will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of so many.
