Betty Jean Duff

Betty Jean (Nielsen) Duff, age 85 of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on February 24, 2026.

Betty was born August 20, 1940, in Washington, Iowa, to Peder and Julie Nielsen (Nielsen).

Betty graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, in 1958 and then went on to complete beauty school at Iowa School of Beauty. She was a hairstylist for over 25 years.

Betty became a mother to Julie Marie Nielsen on July 2, 1961. She raised Julie on her own until she met Gary Duff in 1980. Betty and Gary had a son, G.W. Duff, on February 20, 1982, and were later married on December 25, 1985. For their honeymoon, they adventured to the Rose Bowl and Disneyland to watch their beloved Hawkeyes.

After her hair salon days, Gary and Betty started a landscaping company where Betty could put her passion for plants and gardens to good use, helping others. Betty retired in the fall of 2000. However, after 3 years of retirement, she joined the workforce again, working full-time in the garden center of Lowes. After ten plus years, she finally decided to retire once and for all.

Betty had a joy for life unlike any other. She often shared memories of her parents and was very proud that they had immigrated from Denmark. Betty had many talents, from racing cars, being an EMT, writing a book about plant care, to being involved in the Garden Writers’ Association, where she was able to go on trips across the country to expand her knowledge. Betty’s beautiful yard was something she cherished and was featured in the Beaverdale Garden Walk a few times.

To Betty, no one was a stranger. She could talk with anyone, especially if it was regarding flowers. In her retirement years, Betty’s favorite activity was to spend time with her grandkids and working in her garden.

Remaining to cherish Betty’s memory are son, G.W. Duff (Becky);  grandchildren, Emmett, Cohen, and Hank Duff of West Des Moines, IA. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding Betty in death were her parents, Peder and Julie Nielsen; spouse, Gary; daughter, Julie Marie; and brothers, Niels and Marvin.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6th, 2026, from 5-7 pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 7th, 2026, at 11 am at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale, Iowa. Inurnment will be at Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Rescue League in memory of Betty.