Bette J. Edwards passed away on March 1, her 101st birthday at Grand Living where she was a resident. A celebration of Bette’s life will be held 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Merle Hay Funeral Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA. The family will be available for visitation one hour prior to the services. A private interment of her cremains will be at a later date.
Bette was born in Lovilia, Iowa on March 1, 1924, to Ralph and Gretta Stewart. Bette grew up in Waterloo, IA and graduated from West High. She married Robert (Bob) Edwards in 1943. In 1954, they moved to West Des Moines, IA. Bette was the ultimate housewife and mother. Bette and Bob had two children; Karen and Jim. After raising their children, Bob and Bette traveled the world and wintered at the Sea Gull in Port Aransas, TX, making many wonderful friends.
Bette was involved in AFS, housing Kjell Volden from Norway (1967-68), was a life member of the West Des Moines Woman’s Club, PEO Chapter MA and Mary Martha Circle at the West Des Moines United Methodist Church.
Bette is survived by her daughter Karen Lettington of West Des Moines, IA, son Jim Edwards of Palm Springs, CA., her grandson Rob Lettington (Cindy), great grandchildren Mallory and Lucas, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bob in 2004, her sister Delores Taber and her parents and son-in-law Russell Lettington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for distribution to Bette’s favorite charities.
