In Memory: Lou Ellen "Travis Filipek" Williams

(Travis Filipek & Painters Pine Ridge WC2007 - Photo by Howard Schatzberg)

AMHA and our entire Morgan community mourn the loss of the incomparable Lou Ellen "Travis Filipek" Williams. Travis was the driving force behind Morgan horses being recognized and respected in the discipine of Reining. She was the founder of the National Morgan Reining Horse Association, a longtime member of the AMHA Working Western Committee, organizer of the NMRHA Working Western World Championship Show, and so much more. She was named AMHA's Young Person of the Year in 2007 and graced us with her knowledge, talents, and passion for decades. We will so miss you, Travis. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 

Here is Travis's obituary courtesy of Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care in Monona, Wisconsin...

OREGON, WI: Lou Ellen “Travis Filipek” Williams, age 76, of Oregon, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on January 7, 1948, in Midland, Mich., the daughter of Donald Williams and Marianna (Auer) Hanson.

Travis earned her bachelor’s degree in zoology from the UW-Madison. She was united in marriage to Thomas Filipek. Travis worked as a cardiology technologist and research coordinator at the VA Hospital for over 50 years.

Travis, along with her husband, were owners and operators of Westernesse Morgan Horse Farm. She was the founder and current president of the National Morgan Reining Horse Association. Travis loved being around her horses and promoting the Working Western Morgan Horse, particularly focusing on youth engagement in the sport.

She was a lifelong Badgers sports fan, especially Badgers basketball. She enjoyed hosting an annual family "Kid Camp" and had a love for fishing.

Travis is survived by her husband, Thomas; son, Peter (Elizabeth); daughters, Rebecca (Phil), Anna (Evan), and Molly; sister, Barb; brother, Bob (Edith); 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald (Joyce) Williams; mother, Marianna (Larry) Hanson; and brother-in-law, Terry.

A private service for the immediate family was held. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be made HERE.