Betty Hill-Swander Kept Metro Dance Students On Their Toes

A pair of Clear Channel Outdoor electronic billboards pay tribute to Betty Hill-Swander, who taught thousands of central Iowans how to dance.

She died Monday.

Clear Channel Outdoor issued a statement:

"Clear Channel Outdoor is posting an electronic tribute to the late Betty Hill on two of its west side Digital billboards. Betty Hill-Swander died Monday at age 86. Betty is well known around the Des Moines business community, particularly for her work in getting Valley Junction on the map. Valley Junction is near the two billboards just off 63rd Street (one at Grand Avenue, the other at Vine Street) that will display the tribute through the weekend. In addition to her many endeavors and contributions, Betty taught dance to thousands of boys and girls. The graphic on the billboard is a nod to her dance instruction, and reads, 'Thank you for keeping Des Moines on its toes. Betty Hill, 1927-2013.' ”
Hill-Swander is regarded as the unofficial matriarch of Valley Junction. Where she owned the Theatrical Shop. The funeral procession will travel up Fifth Street Friday, Historic Valley Junction Director Jim Miller said.

Post a tribute to Betty in the comments or on the boards.