Former Iowa First Lady Billie Ray Dies at 97

Billie Ray was instrumental in restoring Terrace Hill as the Iowa governor's mansion.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Billie Lee Hornberger Ray, the former First Lady of Iowa, has passed away at the age of 97. Billie Ray met her husband, former Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray, when they were students at Des Moines Roosevelt High School. The couple married in 1951 and both graduated from Drake University. Billie Ray became Iowa's First Lady in 1968 when her husband was first elected governor. She played a key role in the restoration of Terrace Hill, which was converted into the governor's mansion in 1976.

Why it matters

Billie Ray's passing marks the end of an era in Iowa politics. As First Lady, she helped preserve an important piece of Iowa history by overseeing the restoration of Terrace Hill. Her work ensured the Victorian-era mansion remained the official residence of Iowa's governors.

The details

Billie Ray died peacefully on Wednesday morning, according to an announcement from Drake University. As First Lady, she led fundraising efforts to convert Terrace Hill, a three-story Victorian home, into the governor's mansion after it was donated to the state in 1971. The Rays moved into the historic home in 1976.

  • Billie Ray met her husband, Robert D. Ray, when they were students at Des Moines Roosevelt High School.
  • Billie and Robert Ray married in 1951.
  • Robert D. Ray was first elected Governor of Iowa in 1968, making Billie the First Lady.
  • Terrace Hill was donated to the state in 1971, and Billie Ray oversaw its restoration and conversion into the governor's mansion.
  • The Rays moved into Terrace Hill in 1976.

The players

Billie Lee Hornberger Ray

The former First Lady of Iowa who passed away at the age of 97. She was instrumental in the restoration of Terrace Hill as the governor's mansion.

Robert D. Ray

The former Governor of Iowa, who was married to Billie Ray. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 89.

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The takeaway

Billie Ray's legacy as Iowa's First Lady will be remembered for her efforts to preserve the state's history and transform Terrace Hill into a fitting residence for Iowa's governors.