Betty Peters

Longtime Des Moines resident, Betty Jo Peters, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines. She was 90 years old.

Betty was born February 24, 1932 in Buchanan, TN to Court "Leo" Williams and Cladie Marrs Williams. Her family moved north to Des Moines as the family grew to include two younger sisters, Bobbie and Margie. The three sisters, close in age and relationship, remained pals throughout their lives.

Although she loved living in Des Moines and attending North High School, her family circumstances changed, resulting in a move to Dearborn, MI where she graduated from Lowrey High School in 1950. Not long afterward, she married and began her long life of productive work at Kaiser-Frazer Corp (later Kaiser Jeep). Two children came along: Sharon and Mike. When the marriage ended, Betty and her children moved back to her beloved Des Moines.

She established a new life, met and married Roy E Peters in 1963, and together they founded Capitol Home Improvement Co. Years later, they co-owned Chalstrom Beach of Okoboji mobile home court. Following Roy's death in 1975, she assumed leadership of their businesses. When an opportunity to change course arose, Betty joined her sister Bobbie in Austin, TX where they ran a business, Interstate Exteriors, Inc, together for ten years. She returned once again to Des Moines where she managed the office at Farm & Home Builders until her retirement in 2013 at age 81!

Hers was a life of hard work and sharp business acumen, but she also enjoyed it to the fullest. She was devoted to her family and cherished the times they would gather together for holidays and reunions. She was quick to laugh at a joke and always had a hug for anyone who needed one. She lived modestly and gave generously. She loved music and dancing, Okoboji weekends, festivals, kids' recitals and sports events. Her love for travel took her to exciting destinations on four continents.

Betty will be deeply missed by her many friends and loving family including: daughter Sharon Mason (Barry) and son Mike Kinnear (Lisa); grandchildren Theresa Simmer (Shawn), Michael Juarez, Mark Juarez, Samuel Nanfito, Vanessa Warren (Ryan), Mike Mason (Chrissy), and Carrie Vazquez (Drew); great grandchildren Greg (Shaylea), Emily, Camille, Julian, Gage, Max, Kingsley, Gavin, Ryland, and Rex; great great grandchildren Landen, Alexa, Isabelle, Veda; nieces Karen Ihnen (Bryan) and Marla Hall Fay (Greg) and nephew Craig Hall.

Preceding her in death: husband Roy E Peters, mother Cladie M Jones, father Leo Williams, sister Bobbie Sue Jackman and sister Marjorie Mae Hall.

Special thanks to the exceptional care providers at The Shores of Pleasant Hill, Arbor Springs, and St Croix Hospice who compassionately assisted Betty in her final eight years of life.

A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, April 30, at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St, Des Moines. Visitation: 10:00 am. Service: 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Gardens, Des Moines.

The family suggests memorials to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) online at heroes.vfw.org or Hospice Support Foundation (please mail check to St Croix Hospice, Attn: Mary--HSF, 7755-3rd St North, Suite 200, Oakdale, MN 55128; payable to HSF).

Print