Billie Lee

Billie Lee Ray
Born	Billie Lee {{{2}}}/{{{3}}}/1928
Died	2/18/2026 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	First Lady of Iowa, philanthropist
Known for	Former First Lady of Iowa, philanthropy and public service
Education	Drake University
Spouse(s)	Robert D. Ray (deceased)

Billie Lee Ray (née Billie Lee; 1928 – February 18, 2026) was an American public figure who served as the First Lady of Iowa during the governorship of her husband, Robert D. Ray. A graduate of Drake University, she became known throughout the state for her steady commitment to philanthropy and public service across several decades. Her death at the age of 97 prompted remembrances from Iowa political leaders, Drake University, and community members who recalled her as a figure defined by practical service and consistent character. Billie Lee Ray's life spanned nearly a century of Iowa history, during which she served as a partner to one of the state's most prominent governors and contributed to numerous civic and charitable causes in her own right.

Education

Billie Lee Ray attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she was an alumna. The university recognized her longstanding connection to the institution, and upon her death, Drake University President Marty Martin sent a message to the campus community memorializing her contributions. The university's announcement referred to her as a "Drake University Alumna and Former First Lady of Iowa," underscoring the significance of her connection to the school throughout her life. Drake University's student newspaper, The Times-Delphic, also published a tribute noting her status as a Drake alumna and her contributions to the university community over the decades.

Career

First Lady of Iowa

Billie Lee Ray served as the First Lady of Iowa during the administration of her husband, Robert D. Ray, who was one of Iowa's longest-serving governors. Robert D. Ray served as the 38th Governor of Iowa, and during his time in office, Billie Lee Ray fulfilled the public responsibilities associated with the role of First Lady. She was recognized as a partner in her husband's public service endeavors, supporting the work of the governor's office while also pursuing her own civic interests.

Philanthropy and Public Service

Beyond her role as First Lady, Billie Lee Ray was recognized for her extensive philanthropic work and community service throughout Iowa. Those who knew her described the central theme of her charitable activities as rooted in "steady character, practical service," according to reporting by KCCI. Her approach to philanthropy was characterized by consistency and a focus on tangible contributions to the community rather than public recognition. She was remembered by those closest to her as someone whose commitment to service was a defining element of her life, both during and after her time as First Lady.

The Gazette reported that her legacy extended beyond her role as the wife of a governor, noting that she made her own mark on the state through her charitable activities and community involvement. Her contributions were recognized across Iowa's political and civic landscape, with multiple news outlets and institutions acknowledging her impact upon her death.

Personal Life

Billie Lee Ray was married to Robert D. Ray, who served as the 38th Governor of Iowa. Robert D. Ray predeceased her. Together they had children; at the time of her death, Billie Lee Ray was survived by her three children.

Billie Lee Ray maintained a connection to Drake University throughout her life, and the university community considered her an important member of the Drake family. Her relationship with the institution extended well beyond her years as a student, encompassing decades of involvement and support.

She spent her later years in Des Moines, Iowa. Billie Lee Ray died on February 18, 2026, at the age of 97. Her death was announced by Drake University on the same day, and it was subsequently reported by major Iowa news outlets including KCRG, KCCI, and The Gazette.

Recognition

Following her death on February 18, 2026, Billie Lee Ray received tributes from across the state of Iowa. Drake University President Marty Martin sent a campus-wide message in her memory, describing her as both a university alumna and former First Lady of Iowa. The university's formal announcement honored her contributions to the school and to the broader Iowa community.

KCCI reported on the remembrances offered by Iowans, characterizing her as "a lifelong partner in service and character." The station's coverage emphasized that those closest to Ray identified a consistent through-line in her philanthropic work: a commitment to practical service and dependable character that defined her public life.

The Gazette, one of Iowa's prominent newspapers, published an obituary-style report noting that her legacy encompassed her role as First Lady and her independent contributions to civic life in the state. KCRG also reported on her passing, providing details of her life and noting that Drake University had confirmed her death.

The student newspaper at Drake University, The Times-Delphic, published its own tribute, noting that she left behind "a lasting legacy" and was survived by her three children. The student publication's coverage reflected the enduring connection between Ray and the university community, even decades after her time as a student there.

Legacy

Billie Lee Ray's legacy in Iowa is closely intertwined with that of her husband, Robert D. Ray, who is remembered as one of the state's most significant political figures. However, multiple sources at the time of her death noted that Billie Lee Ray's contributions to Iowa extended beyond her role as a governor's spouse. Her independent philanthropic activities and her consistent presence in civic life over many decades established her as a notable figure in her own right within the state.

The remembrances published upon her death consistently emphasized themes of character, service, and steadiness. KCCI's reporting highlighted that those who knew her best saw her philanthropy as guided by a commitment to practical action rather than public attention. This characterization was echoed across multiple news outlets and institutional tributes, suggesting a widely held view of Ray as someone whose contributions were defined by their substance rather than their visibility.

Drake University's decision to issue a campus-wide announcement of her death, authored by the university president, reflected the significance of her connection to the institution. As both an alumna and a former First Lady, she represented a link between the university and Iowa's political history that the institution chose to formally honor and memorialize.

Billie Lee Ray's passing at the age of 97 in February 2026 marked the end of a life that spanned much of Iowa's modern history. Her role as First Lady during a consequential period of Iowa governance, combined with her own decades of community involvement, secured her place in the state's civic memory.