Betty Louise (Fredregill) Stanger

Betty Louise (Fredregill) Stanger, 95, died peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Kennybrook Village in Grimes, Iowa, surrounded by family. She was born July 13, 1929, in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of James C. and Nellie (Weaver) Fredregill.

Betty was the youngest of eight children, and grew up on the East side of Des Moines, graduating from East High School in 1947. Following graduation, she was crowned Miss Des Moines, and was runner-up for Miss Iowa. Betty Lou had a beautiful singing voice, and often was called up on stage at the Lake Robbins ballroom or other swinging hot spots to do a number or two. She worked downtown and had a lot of fun with her sister Virginia, once the two of them narrowly escaping a raid on a nefarious Southside gambling club. She loved riding horses in Water Works Park.

Betty was married to Yontz Eldon Stanger in March of 1952, and they lived their early life at Fort Leonard Wood in Central Missouri, where he was stationed. Later they briefly lived in Omaha, NE, and Duluth, MN, eventually settling for most of their married lives in Des Moines. They were members of Central Gospel Chapel in Des Moines. Betty worked for many years in the State Auditor’s Office in the Iowa Capitol, and she dearly loved that grand old building. Betty and Yontz loved to travel, do jigsaw puzzles, and spend time with family and friends. Betty was always close with her sisters and brothers, who included brothers Jim, Bob, and Tom, and sisters, Gertrude, Rosie, Margaret, and Virginia. There are many fond memories of family gatherings, parties, and trips.

Betty is survived by her children David (Julie) Stanger, Mark (Lynette) Stanger, Drinda Williams, and Peggy (Ritch) Miller, as well as 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, her youngest son, John Stanger, and her son-in-law Pete Williams.

A funeral service will be held at 3 pm, Saturday, April 26, at Creekside Church, 2743 82nd Place, Urbandale, Iowa. Light refreshments will follow the service to give family and friends time to visit and share stories. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Creekside Church or a charity of your choice. Interment will be at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.