Betty Jane Sheetz

As the snow gently fell on Saturday, January 6, 2024, the snowmen led Betty Jane Sheetz (Stoner) peacefully home. Born on May 22, 1929, she was one of seven children born to the late Sylvanus D. and Jennie M. (Bishop) Stoner of New Cumberland, PA. Jane, as she was known to most, graduated from New Cumberland High School in 1947, where she was a cheerleader and xylophonist in the band. She was voted best dancer in her class; yes, she could jitterbug like no other! She was a redhead and channeled that redheaded fire into her activities and competitiveness. Jane started working in Harrisburg after graduation and enjoyed commuting on the trolley. She and her siblings continued to attend their New Cumberland High School Class reunions into their golden years. She had two children, Kenneth N. Smith III and Janet L. Smith (Bechtel), shortly thereafter. Then, she married the "love of her life," Richard "Dick" Sheetz, in 1956. They started a family, and she eventually went to work using her gift of finance. They moved their large family to New Jersey for three years and returned to Mechanicsburg in 1968. Jane used her energies advocating for the Hampden Township swimming pool that opened in 1973. Dick had the desire to ride motorcycles, and Jane said, "Well, that was okay, but I want one of my own." That decision began years of motorcycle trips up and down the East Coast. They joined bowling leagues at ABC West and Trindle Bowl. Jane continued bowling until the age of ninety. Upon returning to the area, Jane began working for Berg Electronics and retired from Dupont. She enjoyed traveling around the United States. She was fond of spending time in Ocean City, Maryland, and beaches along the Atlantic. One of her special loves was going with her brother Cy to his farm in Blain, PA. Jane adored snowmen; her vast collection adorned the corners of her living space year-round. She was a voracious reader and had an extensive library in her home built by her companion, Frank. She was an auxiliary member of the Guy E. Shelley American Legion Post #974 and a lifetime member of the New Cumberland VFW. Jane was a wonderful mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, and aunt. She was a good listener, teacher, and friend. She had almost infinite patience, but most of all, she had a wonderful sense of humor, which she never lost. Jane is survived by her daughters Linda C. Anstine (Timothy) of York Haven, PA, and Karen Sheetz-Mumma (Jeffery) of New Cumberland, PA. She was "Mom" to her stepdaughters Barbara A. Zepp of Ephrata, PA, Irene C. Natale of Flemington, NJ, and Mary "Jane" Neubold also of Ephrata, PA, two Granddaughters, Linsey M. Magill (Nicholas) and Emily L. Mumma both of Manchester, PA and a sister Gladys Cline with whom she resided with this last year at Celebration Villas of Dillsburg, PA, and several nieces and nephews. Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Dick" Sheetz, companion Franklin Wells, her parents and siblings, and their spouses, Evelyn Mundew (Jack), Margaret Hunter (James), Wilmer (Red) Stoner (Josephine), Miriam Wilson (Earl) and Edgar "Cy" Stoner (Donna) and brother in law Ted Cline (Gladys). Visitation will be held at Musselman Funeral Home, Inc., 324 Hummel Avenue, Lemoyne, PA on January 16th at 10:00 am. Service will begin at 11:00 am, with interment following at Paddletown Cemetery 250-252 Church Road, Goldsboro, PA.

Betty Jane Sheetz

May 22, 1929 - January 6, 2024