Matriarch of the Folta family and friend of many, Ethel Jean Folta passed away November 22, 2022, at her home.
A child of the Great Depression, she was born March 28, 1932 (the day after Easter) at the home of her parents, Fred and Lockie (Sitton) Martinek. They preceded her in death in 1997. Her brother, Frank Wayne Martinek and sister Mary Martinek Thompson both preceded her in death. Ethel Jean graduated from St Mary's Catholic School in Hawk Point and then Buchanan High School in 1949. She met F.J.(Judge) Folta at the wedding of Jim (Judge's neighbor) and Blanche (Ethel Jean's cousin) Hrdina and married at St. Mary's October 16, 1954. They became the parents of Lee Ann and Jerry. Ethel Jean was a wonderful mother who guided them with wisdom and a strong work ethic. She maintained an extreme sense of pride in her family and encouraged them to seek their paths to happiness. For 90 years she lived a very productive life. Her Czech heritage came through in her many areas of her life. Always gracious but with a lot of determination, she never gave up and would get the job done. She could multitask like no other! Like most Bohemians, Ethel Jean loved to cook and entertain, making many friends no matter their age. Her specialties were baked rolls, ham and scalloped potatoes. After cards, kolaches and boiling hot coffee would be served. Ethel Jean was active in Hawk Point Willing Workers Extension Club, Hawk Point PTA, Hawk Point Wee Willing Workers 4-H Club, St. Mary's Altar Sodality, and Octavia Club.
Ethel Jean held many jobs outside of her home in her lifetime. She began employment at Magic Chef Oven in St. Louis after high school. After her children could drive, she worked at the License Bureau, Dulin Harrell Lumber, Mordt Tractor, and OATS. Being a volunteer for SSM Hospice held a very special place in her heart. She enjoyed all her endeavors and met the "best people". Ethel Jean loved to travel and organized countless road trips for her family. Her best trips were with her grandchildren to Ireland, Czechoslovakia, Alaska, California, Montana and New York.  In later years she enjoyed every opportunity she could, to take a ride with her family and many friends. Mourning her passing are daughter, Lee Ann Henebry and her husband Larry and her son, Jerry Folta and his wife Zenda. Grandchildren Becky (Scott) Claas, Diane (Chris) Rand, Mark(Audrey)Henebry, Michelle (Jeremy) Valentine and Andy (Jamie) Folta. Her great grandchildren Paisy Claas, Hudson and Henry Rand, Evie and Ian Henebry, Jack Valentine and one on-the-way.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2022 from 1 p.m.- 6 p.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory 1304 Boone Street Troy, MO 63379, (636) 528-8244.

Funeral Mass- Monday, November 28, 2022 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church Hawk Point, MO  Father John Keenoy, Father Mike Lydon and Monsignor Don Schramm to officiate.

Interment- Mashek Cemetery Troy, MO

Memorials may be made to LCCOA or St. Mary's Cemetery, c/o McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, Troy location.

Family and friends are invited to sign our on-line guest registry at: www.mccoyblossomfh.com