Maribeth Travis

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Maribeth “Beth” Travis, a remarkable woman who touched the lives of all who knew her.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering kindness that will forever be cherished.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.  Her steadfast love and dedication to her family were unparalleled.  Her selflessness knew no bounds, as she consistently put the needs of others before her own.  She was such an inspiration to her family, always available for love, support, and motivation to be successful in whatever endeavors we chose to embark upon. We will remember her for her gentle spirit, her unwavering love, and her desire to live each day to the fullest.  Her passion for life was infectious.   As her older brother Allen recently stated, “she always seemed to have fun!”.   Beth loved music and dancing, traveling, and she was an avid reader.  Most of all, she loved being with family. 

Maribeth was born on August 1, 1944, to Francis G. and Mary E. Travis in La Junta, Colorado.  Shortly after she was born, they moved to Hasty, Colorado where she lived until graduating from high school.  She met her future husband, Dennis Gilliland, in Castle Rock, Colorado in 1962 and they were married in 1963.  Her son Travis was born in 1964 and they then relocated to Bird City, Kansas to help on her husband’s family farm.  They moved back to Colorado in 1968, and their daughter, Denise, was born in 1970. 

Maribeth was fortunate to be a “stay-at-home” mom for her children’s younger years, and once they were in school full-time, she worked outside of the home in positions that would allow her to be available to her children.  She was employed at Fox Drug in Castle Rock, was a librarian for the Douglas County School District, an executive assistant at Castle Pines Construction Company, as well as working for Martin Marietta Corporation. 

Maribeth and Dennis divorced, and in 1988 after her daughter’s graduation, she relocated to Tucson, Arizona to work for the Tucson Arizona Unified School District as an administrative assistant/secretary. She then also rekindled a relationship with her childhood sweetheart, Sam Greenwood.

She relocated to Gering, Nebraska in 2003 to help her family with the opening and running of a steakhouse restaurant, Gilli’s Fill’n Station.  Even though she was technically “retired” at this time, she continued to work even up until her passing, running her own house cleaning service. Maribeth enjoyed helping others and she loved to clean, especially washing dishes!  She was known to everyone for the amazingly delicious peanut brittle she made and gave as a gift during Christmas.  Her generosity was abundant. 

She is survived by her brothers, Allen Travis and Toby (Cheryl) Travis; son, Travis E. Gilliland; daughter, J. Denise (Doug) Reifschneider; grandsons, Elijah T. Sharrar, Colton E. Gilliland and Ian D. Sharrar; former husband, Sam Greenwood; stepdaughters, Lorrie (Doug) Ganis and Donna Brewer; granddaughters, Kristin Ganis and Brianna Brewer; many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and a multitude of friends. 

Maribeth was preceded in death by her parents, Francis George and Mary Elizabeth; her first husband and dear friend, Dennis Gilliland; stepson, Mark Greenwood; and grandson, Jimmie Ganis.  Her memory will be forever etched in our hearts.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all those who have offered their love, support, and condolences during this time of grief.  Your kind words, gestures, and presence have provided us with strength and comfort.   As we navigate through this difficult time, let us find solace in the memories we shared with Maribeth.  May her spirit live on in our hearts, guiding us, and reminding us to live each day with love, kindness, and gratitude. 

Cremation has taken place in accordance with her wishes. A Joint Celebration of Life honoring both Maribeth Travis and Dennis Gilliland will be announced at a later date. The family kindly requests that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Team Ashtyn Foundation, a cause near and dear to Maribeth’s heart. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting her obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Rest in peace, dear Maribeth.  You will forever be missed and never forgotten.