'Our Hearts Ache': Betty Hill Swander, Pioneer in Valley Junction, has Died

Historic Valley Junction matriarch Betty Hill Swander has died.

The Historic Valley Junction Foundation said in an email to members today that the longtime merchant died Monday morning, June 17.

She owned several Valley Junction businesses, including the Theatrical Shop, Rose’s, Showtime and Dressmakers,  and was the founder of Betty Hill Dance Studios.

"Betty’s wisdom, business acumen and leadership will be missed by our organization and entire district," Valley Junction executive director Jim Miller said in an email. "Quite simply, Historic Valley Junction would not be the nationally-recognized specialty retail district that it is today without her foresight, leadership and drive to make it happen.

Read this profile of Betty Hill Swander, named Huffington Post's Greatest Person of the Day, on West Des Moines Patch: Valley Junction's Unofficial Matriarch Is All Business, But all Heart, Too.

"She was a true friend, mentor and inspiration to many," he said. "We are blessed to have known her and to have had her in our lives. "Our hearts ache as we send our sympathies to Betty’s entire family."

Services and memorial arrangements are as follows:

Visitation: Thursday, June 20, 4:00 – 8:00 pm
McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel, 801 19th St, West Des Moines, IA

Memorial Service: Friday, June 21, 11:00 am
West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA

Burial to follow at McLaren’s, luncheon to follow at church