Betty Jane (Snow) Folts, 94 years old—known to most simply as Jane—. a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and matriarch, passed away January 2, 2026 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, leaving behind generations of family who were deeply loved, firmly guided, and occasionally reminded that she was always right.
Born on August 3, 1931 in the town of Whitesville to the late Earl and Mary (Griggs) Snow, Jane lived a life filled with family, laughter, strong opinions, and a well-earned reputation for quick wit delivered with love. On October 24, 1951, Jane married Walter Ernest Folts, the love of her life. Together they built a home filled with children, stories, traditions, and just enough discipline to keep everyone in line. Walter preceded her in death on July 8, 2019, and Jane never missed a chance to remind everyone how much she missed him—while also continuing to run the family just fine without him.
Jane was the proud mother of five children: Daughters: April and Steve Harkenrider of Whitesville; Mary Sue and David Gee of Naples, FL; Connie and Eric MacMichael of Whitesville, NY; Sons: Walter James and Kelly (Shultz) Folts and Richard and Katrina (Tracy) Folts all of Whitesville.
She took immense pride in her children and made sure they all knew it—right after offering advice on how they could do things a little better. She leaves behind eight grandchildren—Christopher, Amber, Jill, Ren, Randa, Derek, Cole, and Carleigh, and seven great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Maylen, Kyra, Klyde, Megan, Sawyer, Thomas and Shea, along with two great-great-grandchildren, William and Walter. Jane adored every one of them and made sure they knew who was in charge, regardless of age.
Time spent with Jane often included trips down memory lane—recounting family adventures, childhood games, closet play and cooking stories. Holidays were her favorite, especially when all her family was home where she could see them, feed them, and quietly (or not so quietly) supervise. She took great pride in her yard and holiday decorations, making sure the outside of her home looked just as festive and well-kept as the inside. Jane was notorious—in the best way—for keeping her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in line. She gave advice freely, opinions generously, and loved teasing those closest to her. If Jane teased you, you knew you were loved. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Walter, her son-in-law Steve Harkenrider, and her siblings Jim Snow and Harold Snow. Jane also cherished a lifelong friendship with her high school classmate, Gertie, who faithfully stayed in touch with her every month—a friendship Jane valued deeply.
Jane was loved by all who knew her and will be remembered for her quick wit, loving heart, unwavering devotion to family, and ability to make you smile while telling you exactly how things should be done. And in true Jane fashion, she would want everyone to remember her simple, no-nonsense advice: “Just take one day at a time.”
Per Jane’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jane’s name to the Independence Emergency Squad in Whitesville, NY. 14897.
Arrangements are in care of the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.
A full and complete obituary can be read online along with shared condolences and memories at
