Betty Mae Lane, a beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on November 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 21, 1927, in Owego, NY, Betty spent most of her life in the Triple Cities area, primarily in Endwell, New York before moving to Hilton Head Island, SC, in 2021.

Betty was predeceased in death by her parents, Harold and Sarah York, her husband of 49 years, Richard "Dick" Lane, several brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews and a niece. She is survived by her daughter Jackie Whatman (Fred), her son Christopher Lane (Anne), grandchildren, Fred Whatman III (Sandy), Ricky Whatman, Sarah Liebenrood (Nick), and Christopher Lane II (Rachel), as well as six great grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Haley Whatman, Coleman and Caroline Liebenrood, Winnie and Shepherd Lane, and a special nephew Denny Lusht, her half-brothers David York, Dennis York and their mother Eva York.

Betty's early life was spent on a farm in Whitney Point where she was actively involved in Girl Scouts and the 4-H Club. She achieved notable success by winning the National 4-H Award for training horses, an accomplishment that included a memorable National 4H Banquet in Chicago with John Deere and Gene Autry. After graduating from Whitney Point High School, Betty completed her education at the Triple Cities Beauty School and began her lifelong career as a beautician in Endicott.

Betty and Dick lived in Endicott before buying their dream home on Malverne Road in Endwell. Malverne Road was a great street to raise a family where Betty remained lifelong friends with many neighbors. Betty loved to entertain, and her happiest times were when the house and pool were full of friends and family. Betty and Dick were the first on Malverne Road to have a color TV and built-in swimming pool!

Betty dedicated 30 years to teaching at Imperial Beauty School and BOCES, where she instilled discipline and professionalism in her students, many of whom returned to express their gratitude for her guidance.

Betty's love for playing cards and her tremendous winning ability has always been legendary. Her weekly Friday Night Poker Game was a staple in Betty's life for years. When the Friday game came to end, a few of the ladies began to play at American Legion Post 82. Getting involved with Post 82 led to Betty's involvement in the American Legion Auxiliary.

Betty's passion for the American Legion Auxiliary and helping veterans became a huge part of her life. Her involvement with Post 82 included holding office as treasurer, president and eventually the President of the County Auxiliary. She was active at the American Legion state level and attended national conventions where she even met President George H. W. Bush.

Betty remained active, including driving and living alone into her 90's. She played in pitch leagues several nights a week at Post 82, the VFW, The Endicott Elks Club and would travel to any pitch tournament in the area.

Betty moved to Hilton Head Island to Bayshore Assisted Living Community where she spent the last 4 years. It didn't take Betty long to enjoy a bustling social life at Bayshore. There, she quickly made new friends, enjoying games of Bingo and Horse Racing, and delighting in the beauty of her surroundings. She loved to sit on the dock, watching the birds and the boats go bye. Betty was legendary for always being on the go around Bayshore.

Betty Mae Lane lived a full and remarkable life, leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship, and the art of enjoying life to the fullest.

Visitation will be held at St. Ambrose Church on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 9:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place at Riverhurst Cemetery, Endwell, NY.

In Lieu of Flowers please donate to the American Legion Post 82 – Auxiliary Unit 82 (Scholarship Fund),1305 Riverview Drive, Endicott, NY in memory of Betty M. Lane.