Donna Marie Pearce Traver ~ 1931 to 2022 ~ “A very special woman, loved by all”

A very special woman, loved by all, Donna Marie Pearce Traver, joined our Father in Heaven on November 2, 2022. She was born in Ottawa, KS on October 15, 1931 to Harold and Eva (Gladys) Norwood Pearce.

Donna and her family moved to Hawthorne in 1942 and two years later to Yerington. She graduated from Yerington High School, then came to Reno and attended Reno Business College, becoming a legal secretary.

During this time she met her future husband, Jess Traver Jr. They were married on December 28, 1951 in Reno. They had 3 children. During their early years of marriage they built the home where she lived until her passing. Sadly she lost her husband on September 8, 1977. After her children graduated from High School she was employed by Spalding for over 15 years.

Donna was a very loving Mother and loved by all who met her. She pursued many interests throughout her lifetime, such as Girl Scout Leader, Rodeo Mom, and Horseshow Grandmother. Attending horseshow events in which her grandchildren participated, you could always spot her at the events, helping the grandkids, working the shows or visiting.

Everyone loved receiving Donna’s handmade gifts. She was a very talented craftsperson including crochet, leatherwork, sewing, quilting, and embroidering. Late in life she took up scroll sawing and up until her death this was her passion. She made beautiful items including baskets, whirligigs, bird houses and piggy banks for her great grandkids.

She was a devout Christian and a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Donna was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sierra Nevada Chapter.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Eva Pearce; husband Jess Traver Jr, sister Dolly Isabelle Pearce, brothers Robert Pearce and Leon Pearce. She is survived by her son Jess Traver III (Fran), daughters Karen Traver and Lori Traver Brown; four grandchildren, Jess Traver IV (Jenn), Christy Oxoby (Jake), Heather Slagle (Tom) and Sarah Dail (Aaron); ten great grandchildren, Isla, Cece, Tessa and Honora Traver, Caylee and Adelin Oxoby, Stella, Frankie, Annabella and Josephine Dail; brother, Lonnie Pearce (Carol) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Monday, November 14th, 1:00 pm, at Walton’s Sierra Chapel, 875 W. Second Street, Reno, NV, with burial following at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in Donna’s memory to the church or charity of your choice.