Patricia Traver

Patricia Ann (Ruggeberg) Traver, 79, of Mount Vernon, died Monday, August 8, 2022, at Hallmark Care Center, after a two-year struggle with Bulbar Palsy/ALS. Keeping her good spirits, humor and wit, until the last few days of her fight. Stewart Baxter Funeral and Memorial Services of Mount Vernon are assisting the family. Patricia was born December 26, 1942, to Harold and Lois (Allison) Ruggeberg in Welton, IA. Raised on the farm, Pat's youth was spent taking care of livestock, gardening, baling hay and many other farm chores. Pat graduated from Welton High School Class of 1960 as Valedictorian. She was active in basketball, softball, chorus, band, brass quintet, and plays. Pat was president and vice-president of student council, and member of annual staff. Patricia married Dean Carl Traver, July 28, 1961, in Dewitt, Iowa. They raised four children, Jeffrey (Melanie) Traver, of Yamhill, Oregon, Julie Traver of Des Moines, Iowa, Brian (Christine) Traver of Reston, Virginia, Greg (Kari) Traver of Grimes, Iowa. Additionally, Pat was blessed with three grandchildren, Joshua Humphrey, Faith Traver, and Chloe Traver. She worked as a housewife and mother. Pat was also a partner and 'Girl-Friday' to the family electronics business for over twenty years. She was a flower lover, vegetable gardener, canner, baker, and cook. In between Pat was a Cub Scout Den mother for a time, and a 50-year member of the Social Circle Club. She was a prolific acrylic painter, loved antiques, dancing, and travel. An avid reader, Pat collected a library of over 1000 volumes. She was a writer of long letters to her friends, and a children's book (unpublished). Pat loved PBS mysteries and dramas. Patricia is survived by her husband, Dean; the above-named children and grandchildren; two sisters, Carol (Bill) Smith, and Judy (John) DeTellum; and brother, Alan (Monica) Ruggeberg, all of DeWitt, Iowa. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Lois; paternal and maternal grandparents; three aunts, Thelma, Margaret, Vinnetta; and five uncles, Everett, Kenneth, Leo, Daryl, and Vernon. Patricia chose cremation and a memorial will be announced at a later date. A memorial fund has been established in Patricia's name and should be directed toward ALS research. Morning Folks... We are having a Memorial Gallery Opening for Patricia, a one-day show, at MV CREATES, 121 1st Street West in Mt Vernon, from 1 pm to 4 pm on Sunday, September 25th. Readings/stories, if you have one at 2 pm, or anytime. Hope you can attend. To help us honor her life and give Pat the Gallery show she never had. Parking on street or at MV Bank, or behind buildings. See you there! Dean & Family PS. let us know if you can attend. Thanks!