Former first lady of Iowa, Billie Lee Ray, died Feb. 18 at the age of 97, leaving behind a lasting legacy. She is survived by her three daughters, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Ray, the wife of late Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray, graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1946 before attending Drake University, where she obtained her B.S. in Education. Ray went on to teach in the Des Moines Public Schools before becoming first lady of Iowa in 1969, a title which she held until 1983.
“From the day of her Drake graduation until she passed, she remained a teacher at heart,” said Drake President Marty Martin in an email to the Times-Delphic. “Always using her knowledge and talents to help others be their best selves for themself, their families and those they have the privilege of serving.”…