Billie Lee Ray, former first lady of Iowa and wife of the late Gov. Robert D. Ray, died Wednesday. She was 97.

Having met while attending Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Billie and Robert were married on Dec. 22, 1951. They both graduated from Drake University. 

Following graduation, Billie taught elementary education in the Des Moines Public School system. When her husband was elected governor of Iowa in 1968, she served as the first lady of Iowa from 1969 to 1983. 

Throughout her life, Billie devoted time to various community organizations, including the Terrace Hill Foundation, Iowa Friendship Force, the Cedar Rapids Symphony, the historic Brucemore in Cedar Rapids, the Red Cross, Easterseals, United Way, Women in Business, Iowa Save Your Vision, Des Moines Civic Center, Blank Park Zoo Foundation and Drake University. She was recognized as a member of the Business Record’s inaugural class of Women of Influence in 2000.

In 2015, what was previously the organization known as Character Counts! in Iowa transitioned to the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University. The Ray Center continues to fulfill a mission to improve civility through character development and ethical leadership. The work of the Ray Center extends from early childhood to the corporate, community and public service arenas. 

Billie is survived by her three daughters, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services are being arranged through Iles Dunn’s Chapel with more information to be released soon. 

At an event for the Business Record’s 2026 Forty Under 40 honorees on Wednesday, Ray Center Executive Director Scott Raecker reflected on Billie’s life and legacy.