Martha Anne Travis

On September 9, 2025 Martha Anne Nichols Travis embarked on her final journey to reunite with her beloved husband, Jim. She enjoyed traveling. In the final years of her life, she was in memory care. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren were “her precious angels,” she spoiled them, and they loved her dearly. She was even more excited to welcome her great-grandchildren into the world.

Born Martha Anne Nichols to George Jackson Nichols and Mary Opal Pierce Nichols, April 25, 1929. She was the third oldest of eight children and the last surviving. On May 10, 1952, she married the love of her life, James J. Travis, Sr. He preceded her in death June 9, 1991. She was preceded in death by all of her siblings, Sylvia Fox, Mary Vance, Grace Sims, Joseph Nichols, Cecilia Howell, John Nichols, and Miriam Farmer. She is survived by her only child James (Jim) J. Travis, Jr. (Mary Ann), her three grandchildren Maggie Travis, Katherine Elsbury (Kenneth), and James J. Travis, III (Ella) and her great-grandchildren Liam Bracewell, Aria Travis, Rowan Elsbury, Iris Elsbury, and Walker Elsbury.

A devout Catholic, she never missed Mass and regularly went with her dear friends Irene Castillo and Brigitte Wagner to the Huntsville Monastery. She, with Brigitte, went to the Holy Land.

She was a devoted wife and loving mother. Martha was born in Birmingham, Alabama and she was a true southern belle never leaving the house without her hair done up and make up applied; she was a beauty. She was also an excellent southern cook. She was a voracious reader, especially murder mysteries by Raymond Chandler, Scott Turow, and Michael Connelly. She would read their books while eating chocolate candy or ice cream. She was Irish and had the sass and wit of an Irish poet.

Martha’s rosary and vigil prayers will be held September 25 at 7:00 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1375 Spring Lane, Holladay, followed by viewing and visitation. There will be a second viewing the next day from 10:15 to 10:45 am, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am, both at St. Vincent Church. A luncheon for all will follow the funeral at the Benvegnu Center north of St. Vincent Church. Committal services will begin at 2:00 pm at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 275 “U” Street, Salt Lake City.

The family thanks The Peaks at South Jordan for the care she received the last part of her life. The Bristol Hospice team, especially Lisa, Annecka, Virginia and Wendy, was a godsend for the last seven months. Their loving and comprehensive care for Martha and her family will never be forgotten.

Donations in Martha’s name in lieu of flowers may be made to Alzheimer's Association alz.org/contact-us?form=FUNMRTVQGCV or to a charity of your choice.