Elizabeth Marie Foltyn, born in Dallas, Texas, to John (Jack) and Elizabeth Foltyn, was known to everyone throughout her life as "Bettie". She passed away on October 9, 2026, one day before her 83rd birthday after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Bettie attended St. Cecilia Catholic School where she made some of her dearest lifelong friends. She then graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel Academy in Oak Cliff in 1961 before it became Bishop Dunne. She met the love of her life, Nick, on a train ride to college. According to Bettie, they dated only four times before becoming engaged. They married on October 1, 1966. They spent most of their lives in Dallas, with the exception of an 18-month detour to Northern Virginia. Upon returning to Texas, they claimed they couldn't tolerate living in Washington Redskins territory anymore.
Bettie knew what mattered in life: family, football, and God—perhaps in that order. She often declared, “I feel sorry for those who don’t like football.” Although she attended Saint Louis University, her heart belonged to Notre Dame football, and she was saddened that she would not live to see the Fighting Irish win another national championship. You can bet she and Nick have front row, 50 yard line seats to all the games now! Go Irish!
For many years Bettie was an active member at St. Patrick Catholic Church where she built many lifelong friendships. During this time she was an enthusiastic bowler who looked forward to her weekly league and the friendships it brought. She and Nick traveled with their family on many wonderful adventures, but her favorite trip was to British Columbia, Canada, with Nick.
Even as her health declined, Bettie never lost her sense of humor. She will be remembered for her faith, her loyalty, her practical nature, her sense of humor and, undeniably, her love of cats.
Bettie is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Nick. She is survived by her brother, Jerry Foltyn; her children, Nick Mehl (Katie), Danny Mehl, and Lisa Bonnett (William) ; and her grandchildren, Megan and Allison Mehl, and Zane and Ellery Bonnett.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 16, at 11am at Calvary Hill, North Chapel, 3235 Lombardy Lane in Dallas with mass following at 12pm.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Bettie's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.
