Betty Jane "Janie" Nicolaides, 90, passed away on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 in Springfield, MO. She was born on Saturday, November 1, 1930 in Roswell, NM to Wm. Harvey "Red" Foster and Dorothy May (Pendergrass) Foster.

A tribute to our Mom, our friend. To the unique, interesting and full life she lived...

From a young age, mom was always known as Janie. She was born to one of life's great characters, horse trader extraordinaire, Red Foster. And, to a beautiful, soft spoken, doting mother. To also be blessed with grandparents whom adored their only grandchild.

1930, the Great Depression. Red at one point had to dig a dirt hole for them to live in, while he built shelter of a small house. Yet, always going to where there was an abundance of horses. To trade, buy or sell. Moving hundreds of horses over the years throughout the Southwest and West. Most being sold to Hollywood movie studios for their ever so popular, Western movies. Lil' Janie most always in tow. At 11 years old, she established a little trick riding show. She performed at county fairs and sale barns along the way of long road trips. Even a few times, riding a special horse named Bamboo Harvester. Who later became the beloved "Mr. Ed".

Her teen years came, a chapter ended. Red eventually, moved on. Janie was now living full-time with her mother and grandparents in Roswell. School, boys, dances, church and beauty pageants were filling her days. She had become a beautiful young woman. After 9 different schools in her youth, she proudly graduated High School in 1947. Then on to meeting and marrying our dad, Tom Foulkes, a year later. Tom was a radio announcer in Roswell. He knew that movies and television were here to stay, so they packed up and moved to Southern California. Yet, another chapter began...

The once rural cowgirl was now in the world of Hollywood. Tom was a stage manager and asst. Director for various television and movie studios. 4 kids along the way and our all "red-headed" family was now complete. What wonderful childhoods we had. Each having our own outside activities, she also had us all working as child actors. Mom even did a commercial herself. A Biz soap commercial with Kaye Ballard in 1970. (Google it, it's on You Tube!)

Mom was blessed to have been a wife to two wonderful and cherished men. Dad of 25 years, they remained (mom & John both) true friends until dad's passing in 2003. We are forever grateful for the special bond of our parents. John Nicolaides became her 2nd husband in 1974. John and his 4 kids, each a bit older than us, were such a loved and welcomed addition to our ever-growing families. John was a Senior VP of Accounting for Filmways Studios and later retiring from Aaron Spelling Productions. Mom was an excellent bookkeeper and loved helping John on various projects.

Mom's grit and drive stayed with her throughout her life. Whether it was buying, building and selling all of the various houses they had over the years. Mom would masterfully re-do, decorate, whatever it took, to make a house a home. Never to forget...the dirt hole.

Ultimately, it became Springfield, MO they both felt most at home. Truly enjoying their "Golden Years". John sadly passed in 2019, at the age of 96.  Mom stayed living at The Fremont Senior Living Community. Mom thought the world of all the staff and loved the friendship's she gained along the way. And, a special thanks to Courtney, her Hospice nurse. Your caring, love and friendship had such a special place in mom's heart. Thank you.

A legacy of hardships, triumphs and everything in-between. You have left us all with such amazing, wonderful treasured memories. A heart big enough to love everyone you knew. And, for the support you gave in helping to make each of us the people we are today.

You are deeply loved, greatly missed and, forever to be in our hearts. Your loving family.

Janie was preceded in death by her parents, former husband Tom Foulkes in 2003 and her husband John Nicolaides in 2019.

She is survived by her four children Karen Todd (husband Frank) of Nixa, MO, Greg Foulkes of Dana Point, CA Ted Foulkes (wife Andrea) of Kansas City, MO and Robert Foulkes (wife Jennifer (Goldson) of Los Angeles, CA, four step-children, who she loved like her own, Steve Nicolaides (wife Caroline) of Carpinteria, CA, Monte Nicolaides (wife Michelle) of Temecula, CA, Scott Nicolaides (husband Michael) of W. Hollywood, CA and Cindy Glancy (husband Tom) of Spring, TX, 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Following cremation, private entombment services will be conducted at a later date and time. Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com