Betty Jean Soble, 96, a lifelong resident of Bradford, passed away peacefully Friday (Jan. 30, 2026) at Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital.

Born Feb. 26, 1929, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late Claude R. Poling and Dorothy M. Lamberson Poling Good. She graduated from Bradford High School in 1947.

On Sept. 11, 1948, in Bradford, she married the love of her life, Dale C. Soble, who preceded her in death on Aug. 31, 2015. Together they built a warm, lively home centered on what mattered most to Betty — her family. Raising five children was her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into creating a home filled with love, laughter and unwavering support. Her pride only grew as her family expanded, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Betty worked at Kendall Refining Co. and the YMCA, and later served as a secretary for the district justice office in Bradford until her retirement. After retiring, she and Dale enjoyed 22 wonderful years in Winter Haven, Fla.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Bradford and St. John’s United Methodist Church in Winter Haven, the Seneca Highlands Players Group, and the Tuesday Night Bowling League. Her kindness, humor and steady presence touched everyone who knew her.

Surviving are three daughters, Sheila (Frank) Hamelly of Pinehurst, N.C., Linda Kay Soble of Bradford and Donna (Charles) Henderson of Bradford; one son, David (Kimberly) Soble of Bradford; nine grandchildren, Stephen (Jen) Galey, Kari Eaton, James (Jessica) Paterniti, Bryant (Melanie) Soble, Brian (Jennifer Phillips) Henderson, Shawn (Rebecca Runkle) Henderson, Corinne (Daniel) Oleyourryk, Erica (Rob) Yohe and Danielle Soble; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Beverly Weldy and Verna “Mickey” Close; one brother, Clyde Lee Poling; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Dennis Soble.

Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 33 South Ave., where funeral services will immediately follow with the Rev. Jay Tennies, pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.

Betty Jean Soble will be remembered not only for the years she lived, but for the love she gave. And that love will continue to guide her family for generations.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be expressed at hollenbeckcahill.com.