Betty Hill Swander

West Des Moines

Betty Swander was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 17, 1927, to Roscoe Lambert and Ella W.Verne) Conkling. When her family moved to Des Moines, Betty was enrolled in the Evelyn Wheaton School of Dance, studying ballet, tap, pointe, and acrobatics. She graduated from Roosevelt High School and worked briefly at Younkers Department Store.

A few years later Betty enrolled her own daughter in dance and was asked to fill in as a teacher. Within a few years Betty opened her own studio in Windsor Heights, and her career in dance education began.

Betty studied dance methods from Rose Lorenz, a Des Moines master teacher and local dance legend. Rose became Betty’s mentor, with Betty as Rose’s devoted protégé. Betty was fortunate to be trained by “the best.”

Within a few years Betty expanded her operation to the south side of Des Moines and began teaching in the basement of one of her dance students. From this humble beginning, Betty relocated her south location multiple times, and moved her Windsor studio to its current location, finding success in helping Des Moines “little ladies” develop their love of dance. In 1984 Betty received a Lifetime Achievement Award in Dance, presented by the Professional Dance Teachers Association.When Betty’s students had difficulty finding dance shoes she added a small supply of tap and ballet shoes, leotards, and tights. Soon she expanded, moving her dancewear to the garage. The “Theatrical Shop” was born.

In 1970 Betty married Jack Swander, a Purdue graduate in electrical engineering and an officer in the US Navy. They formed a 35-year partnership of love and friendship. Their life together included business trips and retailing conventions, developing their properties in Valley Junction, and traveling to the far corners of the world together. In their costuming and retail circles, Jack became known as “Mr. Betty,” wearing the title as a badge of honor and love. Together they worked for the growth and betterment of Valley Junction, with Jack serving as the president of the Merchant’s Association in the 1970’s.

When the Theatrical Shop had become too large for its “garage” home, she looked for a property that would be a good fit. When she saw the Lyric Building for sale in Valley Junction, it was love at first sight. What more could she ask for than an authentic Vaudeville theater house, complete with a marquee?

Betty moved the Theatrical Shop to Fifth Street in Valley Junction and has been there ever since. She now had room to add the largest stock of dance supplies in Iowa, a complete line of stage makeup, dozens of styles of hats and wigs, novelties of all types, fabrics from basic to the extreme, rhinestones, trim, and a warehouse of costumes—both for sale and rent.

Betty built on her knowledge of fabrics, design, and costuming and joined the National Costumers Association. She developed relationships, attended conventions, and was elected to the Board of Directors. Betty made contacts throughout the United States as she grew her retail business. The Theatrical Shop became known through the nation among costumers as a one-of-a-kind specialty store.

Betty continued her love affair with Valley Junction, acquiring properties, and opening more businesses, including Valley Bride-Tuxedo Junction, Dressmakers, and Rose’s Theatrical Supply. In addition, Betty added stage lighting supplies, and purchased Owen's Tiara Company.

Betty became Valley Junction's principal advocate. She viewed the area as an incubator of new businesses, worked with merchants to promote the area and served as President of the Valley Junction Foundation. In 2007, the City of West Des Moines presented her with a proclamation naming her Valley Junction's "Star."

In April 2012 after Historic Valley Junction won its National Main Street Award, The Huffington Post named Betty Hill Swander its “Greatest Person of the Day.” A year later, the Theatrical Shop was named “Business of the Year” by Main Street Iowa. At their awards ceremony on May 17, 2013, Betty was honored as the unofficial matriarch of Valley Junction for her forty years of Valley Junction advocacy and for her support of the Historic Valley Junction Foundation since its inception in 1987.

Betty was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, the Daughters of the Nile, and Dance Masters of America, an international organization that promotes the training of dance teachers. Betty banded together with four other members to form a local chapter serving Iowa and Nebraska. Over the years Betty has served multiple terms as an officer, including President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Survivors include daughters, Debbie Westphal Swander and Connie Lehman (Angus); step sons, John and James Swander; grandchildren, Matthew (Jami), Melissa, and John; step-grandchildren, Michelle, Rob, Mya, and Ian; four great-grandchildren; and caregiver, Kathy Harkrader.

Betty passed away at the age of 86 on Monday, June 17 at Mercy West Lakes in West Des Moines. Visitation for family, friends, and colleagues is at McLaren’s Funeral Chapel in West Des Moines on Thursday, June 20, from 4 to 8 p.m. A memorial service, at West Des Moines Christian Church, is at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 21, 2013, with burial in Resthaven Cemetery following the services. A lunch to celebrate Betty’s life is immediately following at West Des Moines Christian Church.

Betty will be remembered for her business savvy, her ability to teach children to dance, and her iconic beehive of auburn curls. To those closest to her, she will be remembered as loving and gentle “Mamo,” who read to her grandchildren, rescued stray cats, and who had the knack for seeing things for both what they are and what they can be. Memorial contributions in Betty’s name may be given to the Historic Valley Junction Foundation or the Animal Rescue League. Online condolences may be made at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com