Cynthia (Cynde) Louise Travis was born Monday, October 2, 1961 in Columbus, Ohio .
she died Friday, February 17, 2023. her recorded age was 61.
Cynde Travis, also known as daughter, Cynde Lou, sister, wife, Mom, Ma, Yia Yia, Aunt Cynde, Mama Travis, CT, bestie, and friend, was called to her place of eternal rest on February 17, 2023. No matter what you called this amazing woman, if you knew her, you knew you were loved. The proud daughter of Sue and Art Ruth, Cynde grew up alongside her sister, Viki, in Delaware, Ohio. She was involved in 4H, lifeguarding, teaching swim lessons and volunteering at the Ohio School for the Blind while attending Delaware JVS Early Children Program and graduating from Delaware Hayes High School in 1979. Upon graduation, Cynde attended Muskingum Technical College in Zanesville, Ohio, the place where she met the love of her life, Howard Travis. They married in 1982 and started a family they raised and loved in Newark, Ohio.
Cynde dedicated her life to her family and friends. When her four children were young, she could be found cheering them on at various sporting events, volunteering at school and church functions, and acting as their personal chauffeur. This support and encouragement continued throughout the years. She always wanted a large family and she delighted, together with Howard, in watching her family grow with marriages and births. She had no greater joy than hearing her grandchildren call for their “Yia Yia.” Cynde loved her family and friends fiercely and her love and warmth will be missed immeasurably. Cynde was also there for so many others. Her personality, magnetism and “Mama” heart led her to take children and friends under her wing and guide them through trials, triumphs, and everything in between. Cynde’s “Mama” duties extended across state lines and never ceased. No matter where she lived, her home and heart were always open to anyone who needed a safe and loving space. Cynde was particularly passionate about helping children and young adults find their way. She did just this by serving in several roles including a consultant for La Leche League and the head cheerleading coach at Newark Catholic High School.
One of her biggest sources of pride was her volunteer work with youth prevention programs Youth to Youth and PRIDE of Licking County. She touched so many lives through this work and always shared how much it impacted hers. Over the past decade, Cynde returned to her roots of lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons while also learning how to knit and kayak. She loved soaking up the Colorado sun and mountain air during her time living in Durango, Colorado. When she and Howard moved to Hobbs, New Mexico, she continued to create handmade items for loved ones and they enjoyed traveling and exploring the Southwest.
We are certain Cynde was met at heaven’s door by her mother (Sue Wright Ruth), grandmother and grandfather (Louise and Roy Wright). She leaves behind her beloved and devoted husband of 41 years, Howard Travis; children Sara Travis, Michael (Annie) Travis, Melissa Travis, and Stephen (Christine) Travis; grandchildren, Liam and Jude Travis, Arianna Bridges, Eva and Caspian Armenta, and Brantley Dick; father, Arthur Ruth; sister, Victoria Rogers (Tracy) Beveridge; brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many friends whom she considered family.
The family invites those who loved Cynde to Calling Hours at the Reed-Egan Funeral Home, 141 Green Wave Dr., 4-7 p.m., Friday, March 3, 2023, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 394 E. Main St., followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon from 12 – 4 p.m. at The Landing on Waterworks, 124 Waterworks Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Mama Travis Scholarship Fund for Youth to Youth, via Venmo @MamaTravisY2Y or via PayPal (mamatravisy2y@gmail.com). Donations may also be made in person during services.