Bette Jean Hodson

Bette was born January 13, 1941, in Pawnee City, NE to Clarence “Corky” & Nellie Warnke. She attended Drake University in Des Moines where she majored in music and English literature. She was a member of Delta Gamma, social sorority, and Mu Phi Episilon, music sorority.

While attending Drake she met Robert “Bob” Hodson of West Des Moines and they were married in 1962. They became proud parents of two sons, David & John. Her teaching career began in Ralston, NE followed by several years at Kurtz Junior High in Des Moines, Stilwell Junior High in West Des Moines and Fairmeadows’ Elementary until her retirement in 2002. She also directed the Traditional Choir at Sacred Heart Church from 1970 to 2005 and sang for many weddings and funerals during this time. After retiring from directing the choir, she continued to share her talents by singing with the choir. Bette loved to sew, making many of her own clothes, golf, volunteer at church, travel, read, exercise and cook, experimenting continually with new recipes.

She is survived by her husband, Bob of West Des Moines; her two sons, David (Colleen) of Des Moines and John (Tara) of West Des Moines; granddaughter, Daryn; grandsons, Jeremy (Melissa) and Cristopher; great-granddaughter, Peyton; great-grandsons, Paxton and Parker; sister, Marilyn of Pawnee City, NE; and many nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents; brother, Gary; sister, Linda; and daughter, Emily Ann.

A Mass of Celebration of her life will be on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines, of which she was a long-time member. The family will greet people 1 hour before mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart Church in honor of Bette.