Barbara E. Traxel
Boonville- Barbara E. Traxel, widow of Charles F. and a longtime resident of Ford St. passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Bethany Gardens in Rome, where she had resided since April, 2026.
Affectionately known as Barb, she was born on October 9, 1935, in Schenectady, NY, a daughter of William and Laurena Logan Ellers. She grew up in Rotterdam and graduated from Draper High School, Schenectady. Thereafter Barb furthered her education at Albany State Teachers College, graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Business Education, with the Class of 1957 and in 1960, she earned a Master Degree, in the same field.
On April 9. 1960, Barbara was united in marriage with Charles F. Traxel, at Trinity Reformed Church, Schenectady. Afterwards the couple moved to their present home on Ford St. Mr. Traxel, a Veteran of the U.S. Air Cadets, during WWII, a highly successful auto mechanic and well known North Country instrumental musician, passed away on September 6, 2015.
Barb began her teaching career in 1957, when she moved to Boonville, where she taught business education subjects at Boonville Central School. Later, in 1961, until she had raised her children, Mrs. Traxel was employed as substitute teacher at Boonville Central and Adirondack Central School System, Boonville. Afterwards, she taught business subjects at South Lewis High School, Turin for eighteen years, retiring in 2000.
Upon moving to Boonville, Barb joined the Boonville Methodist Church, where for many years she served as church treasurer and on the administrative board as well as a member of the United Methodist Women and a longtime member of the church choir.
Mrs. Traxel was a longtime member of Salma Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, where she served for over thirty years as Chapter Secretary. Later when Salma Chapter merged with Lake Delta Chapter O.E.S. Barb served as Secretary. At the present time, she was a member of Bright Star Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Utica, NY.
In addition, Mrs. Traxel was also an active member of the Dodge Pratt Northam Art & Community Center, Boonville, Barb was a leader of the Boonville Girl Scout Chapter and served as Association Chairwomen and served as a child Cub Scout leader. For many years, Barb found great enjoyment as a member of Adirondack Community Chorus, Boonville. She was also a member of New York State Teachers Association the Adirondack Area Educational Retirees, a member of Boonville Historical Club, and a member of Lewis/Oneida Senior Citizens, Boonville.
She is survived by a daughter, Judy A. and her husband, Jeffrey Slye, Marilla, NY. She was predeceased by a son, William H. Traxel, on May 9, 2023. Also surviving is her daughter in law, Karla Traxel, Boonville and several grandchildren. She was predeceased by a brother, William Ellers.
Her Funeral will be on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where an Eastern Star Service will begin at 3:00 P.M, and where Pastor Jack Ford, of the Global Methodist Church, Boonville, will officiate. Calling hours are on Saturday, from 1:00 P.M. until the services, at the funeral home. All are invited to her Interment Services on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. in Boonville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Boonville Methodist Church, or to the Boonville Fire Company Ambulance Fund, P.O. box 164, Boonville, NY 13309.
For an online message of sympathy, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com