Obituary for Bette Jo McClelland

Bette Jo McClelland, 83 of Des Moines, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.  Bette Jo was born February 15, 1937 to George and Virginia (Klein) Dammann, of Villa Park, Il.  She grew up with older sister Shirley, and  graduated from York H.S. in Lombard, Il. in 1955, with a class rank of 6/454.  She was awarded the Mary Will Dunkle scholarship and relocated to Des Moines to attend Drake University. 

While at Drake, Bette Jo was a member of, and historian for Delta Zeta Sorority. She was an honor student, very active on campus, and graduated in 3 years (+summers) with degrees in Early Education and English. 

The years following graduation in 1958 brought marriage, a teaching career in Des Moines Public Schools and children.   As a wife, mother, cook, chauffeur, secretary and all around domestic engineer, she took very good care of her family.  

Bette Jo remained in Des Moines throughout her retirement, enjoying hobbies, travel and her two grandchildren.  Never slowing down, Bette Jo was extremely active in various groups and clubs.  Her many interests included Art Club, Print Club, Questers, Quilt Group, Garden Club, Salisbury House, Scandinavian Club, Bridge, Friendship Force, Plymouth Church, and others.

Bette Jo is survived by her two children, Julie and Kurt (Carla) Statton, West Des Moines, and her two grandchildren, Mason and Molly Statton, West Des Moines.