Betty Jean Menough
November 28, 1930 — October 01, 2025
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Service Details
Betty Jean Menough
Des Moines, Iowa
Betty Jean Menough, age 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and dedication that will be cherished for generations.
Born with a nurturing heart and a generous spirit, Betty devoted her life to caring for others – most notably through her 30+ years operating a beloved day care, where she helped shape and guide countless young lives.
Betty was married to the love of her life, Clark Menough, for 57 wonderful years. Together, they built a strong and loving family, raising eight children – five girls and three boys – and instilling in them the values of kindness, perseverance, and family unity. Betty was their steadfast supporter, cheering on her husband and children through countless games, meets, and matches, always their loudest and proudest fan.
A woman of remarkable talent and artistic flair, Betty found joy in creativity – from crafting beautiful ceramics to making every season brighter with her decorations and arrangements. She also had a green thumb and took great pride in her gardens, which reflected her care, patience, and love for nature. We all benefited from her garden each Christmas with her special tomato sauce.
Betty’s greatest joy came from her family. She is survived by her daughters Christine (Steve) Hensley, Teresa (Reggie) Hamilton, Susie (Doug) De Graff, Mary (Terry) Lewton and Judy (Mike) O’Brien; son, Joe Menough; daughters-in-law, Lynette Menough and Michelle Menough; 20 grandchildren; 30 great children – each a proud piece of the legacy she leaves behind.
She is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Clark and her dear twin sons, Patrick and Michael. Betty’s life was a beautiful testament to love, service and faith – a reminder that a well lived life is measured not in years, but in the kindness, laughter, and memories shared along the way.
Family will greet guests on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Betty will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 NE 60th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Terri Voegtlin Kane
10/07/2025
I have fond memories of your sweet Mom. Always so kind and a beautiful soul. Sorry for your family's loss. Godspeed Mrs. Menough
George Davis
10/07/2025
So many memories with Clark and Betty at the softball games. Birdland and Bombers Softball Park were a second home for them. They were so well respected in the softball world, and the kids/grandkids continued the tradition. Thank you, Betty, for so many memories and always letting Clark know the umpire made the right call.
Rhonda Sue Loftus
10/06/2025
My condolences to your family, I loved keeping her room clean and tidy for her at VV VILLAGE. Rip Betty God be with your family. Sincerely
Rhonda Loftus
Kathy Hussey
10/05/2025
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when we were all growing up and coming up the street to your house. Your mom and dad were the best. Betty always made me feel at home and was so loving. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
Love,
Kathy Hussey
Linda M Wallace
10/05/2025
Dear Teresa and Family,
We are sorry to learn of the passing
of your Mother Betty.
I too lost my mother so I know of the
sadness this bring to you and to your family.
We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
From Your Friends,
Linda Wolf Wallace, SJA '71 and the:
DHS/SJA Class of '71 Reunion Committee
Lisa McElwee McAninch
10/04/2025
To the whole Menough Family ,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Betty showed kindness to our family in so many ways. I think the haircuts on your picnic table is the memory that comes to mind today. She lined all 4 of us girls up one by one, one pixie hair cut after another. She Was such a kind person, Thank you for sharing her with our neighborhood. God Bless You All ,
Love and Condolences from,
Lisa McElwee McAninch
Laurie McElwee
10/04/2025
Many memories early on with Betty. Peace to your hearts.
Fran Hamilton
10/03/2025
Such a beautiful written memorial for your mother. I see so much in her daughters(didn’t know the sons very well) they all have the love, creativity and dedication and now I see it in her grandchildren. I know she saw it also and knowing what she passed on to her kids and now grandkids she knew her job as a mom, wife and grandmother are done. Rest in Peace Betty.