Ross Beach

A Celebration of Life for Ross Beach, 92, Lawrence, KS, will be held from 4:30 to 7 PM on Thursday, November 18 at the Douglas County Bank (9th & Kentucky St.) in Lawrence, KS.  A  Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Hays, KS at 1 PM on Tuesday, Nov. 30th.  He died on Friday, November 12, 2010, at his home in Lawrence.

Mr. Beach was born on February 22, 1918 in Abilene, KS, the son of Roy and Mary (Lankow) Beach.  Upon his mother’s death two weeks later, from childbirth complications, he was taken in by the uncle for whom he had been named, Ross Beach, of Solomon, KS and his wife, Mattie (Lowe) to be raised.  His four-year old brother, Roy, remained with his father, and the two families and the two boys remained close friends throughout the years.

Young Ross Beach moved to Hays, KS with his adoptive parents in 1923, when the senior Beach was named manager of the newly-established Central Kansas Power Co., owned in part by the same people who had employed him in the Solomon Power Company and in part by Mr. Beach.  Young Ross completed the public schools in Hays, where he learned about the energy field from his father, digging pipelines, and assisting in various aspects during the summer.  He then enrolled at Kansas State University, graduating in 1940. He is a registered professional engineer.

 On June 1, 1941, he married Marianna Kistler, of Manhattan, KS. 

 Mr. Beach served in naval aviation during World War II, with active retirement on- call in the fall of 1945. He continued to utilize flying in his growing investments in the oil and gas industry, logging more than one million miles and receiving numerous citations for his record of flight safety.

He was president of Kansas Natural Gas Company, Inc. and Chairman of the Board of Douglas County Bank, in Lawrence.  He was active in radio and television development and ranching.  His success in business enabled him to be active in his community, and also to serve on various boards, in which he enthusiastically devoted his time and interest, serving as President or Chairman of the Kansas State Chamber of Commerce, now the Kansas Association of Commerce and Industry, the Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission, the Kansas 4-H Foundation, and the Kansas State Fair.  He was a member of the board of the former First National Bank of Kansas City, Dillon’s Stores, Inc. of Hutchinson,  Woods Petroleum Corporation, the National Aircraft Association, and various other business and charitable organizations. 

He was named Kansan of the Year in 2001 by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas.  Ross and Marianna Beach were both recipients of the Citations for Distinguished Service  from the University of Kansas, and Fort Hays State University. In addition, he received the President’s Award from Kansas State University in 1989.

Through the establishment of the Ross and Marianna Beach Foundation, they have benefited Fort Hays State University, the Sternberg Natural History Museum in Hays, the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University, the Beach Center for Disability at the University of Kansas, the Lied Center for the Performing Arts at KU and Lawrence Memorial Hospital. In addition, they created an endowed professorship in Special Education at KU and received the Bob Dole Humanitarian Award from the Kansas University Department of Special Education for their support of programs in that field.

Mr. Beach was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hays, an associate member of the West Side Presbyterian Church of Lawrence, of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Elks, Masons and Shrine, and of Quiet Birdmen.  He is a senior active member of Rotary and a Paul Harris Fellow.  His fraternity was Beta Theta Pi.

Survivors include his wife, Marianna, of the home and his three daughters:  Mary (husband, Gary) McDowell, of Port Townsend, WA, Terry (husband, R.A.) Edwards, of Hutchinson, KS, and Jane (Steven L.) Hipp, of Wichita, KS.  Also surviving are eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Beach and his wife took a special interest in contributing to education and the arts, and also in supporting efforts to maximize the potential of handicapped individuals.   The family suggests memorials in his name to the Kansas 4-H Foundation for the Rock Springs Wah-Shun-Gah Ranch for Kansas campers with unique and special needs, or to the Center for Life Experiences at the First Presbyterian Church in Hays.
 

29 Condolences

  1. Doyle Rahjes on November 12, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Marianna,

    Our hearts go out to you and your family as your lives are challenged by the absence of Ross by your side. May fond memories and the Eternal Promise strengthen you in the days ahead.

    With Love and Prayers

    Doyle and Charlotte Rahjes



  2. Dorothy and Richard Beach on November 13, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianna and Family
    From our family to yours we are thinking of you and are very saddened. You are in our prayers. Love



  3. robyn herzog on November 13, 2010 at 12:00 am

    sorry to hear bout ross
    i sure will miss him
    he has a smile could lite up a room
    robyn herzog



  4. Jackie L. Hartman on November 13, 2010 at 12:00 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with you as you endure the loss of Mr. Beach.

    With sympathy,

    Jackie Hartman



  5. Faye Herl on November 13, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Marianna,
    I have fond memories of Ross when I was pumping gas out at the Hays Airport. One Christmas, he shook my hand and wished me a Merry Christmas as he slipped me a five dollar bill. I think it has been the only tip I ever got pumping gas. I will never forget that.
    Please know that our family sends its condolences to yours.



  6. Mike Leas on November 14, 2010 at 12:00 am

    I knew there had been some health issues over the past years but as always it’s a shock to read someone who always seemed to be such a solid and permanant part of life has passed. It was an honor and pleasure to have known your husband and Father at any level. Please accept my condolences and prayers. Mike



  7. Vicki McConnell on November 14, 2010 at 12:00 am

    On behalf of my sister and I, we send our positive thoughts to the entire Beach family. Denise graduated in Terry’s Hays High School class of 1963, and I also remember her well (I graduated in ’67). Surely the entire town of Hays mourns the loss of Ross for his years there (along with significant support from Mariana) as a leader, entrepreneur and community contributor in so many ways.

    Our hearts truly go out to you,
    Vicki and Denise McConnell
    (Denver and Oklahoma City)



  8. Tyson T. Travis on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    What am impressive record of civic contributions, I’m sorry I never got to meet this gentleman. My only connection is that his daughter Terry was a classmate at KU and in a summer language program in Germany in the 1960s. Thinking of you, and keep up the charitable activities he so capably started. I live in Arkansas now, but continue to bank at DCB.



  9. Lloyd Gottschalk/Denver, Colorado on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Beach Family,
    I am sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Beach.
    Thank you for everything you have done for Hays and Western Kansas.



  10. John Montgomery on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianna, please accept my sympathies. I thought a lot of Ross and very much enjoyed our friendship with the both of you when you were still in Hays.



  11. Elouise Miller on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianna,
    I enjoyed having Janie in my class at Lincoln School. She was always so enthusiastic. Your family was so supportive of the school and visited the class. We appreciate all the things that you and Ross have done. Hays would not be the same without your contributions. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.



  12. David & Marion Wilson on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianna, Marion and I mourn Ross’s passing and extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We have such fond memories of Ross! I will never forget my meetings with Ross about Smoky Hills public TV in Hays and the wonderful visit to your ranch! His kindness, philanthropy and support for the arts will be forever remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!



  13. Bernie Brown on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Beach. I have many fond memories of him from my days ar KAYS TV



  14. Ken Rohr on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianna, you and your family have my heartfelt sympathy at this time. Many good memories during my career in the natural gas industry.

    Ken Rohr



  15. kim Farrell on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    test



  16. The Staff of the Sternberg Museum on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianna, the contributions of Ross and you in making the new home of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History a reality will never be forgotten. May you and your family feel the love and comfort of all who surround you at this time, and may Fort Hays State University Ross and Marianna Beach Hall, home of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, stand as a testament to your spirit and generosity for generations to come. God bless and comfort you.



  17. June Johnson Howard on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianna, please accept my sympathies. I have such good memories of when you lived across the street from us. I remember playing dress up with Terry. Janie, we had some really good horseback riding trips. Your father was a really nice person. I remember being at the music store with my dad and your dad popped in and asked dad and I to go for ’coffee’. Wow, I felt so grown up.
    Again, my deepest sympathies. Hope to see you all in Hays.



  18. June Johnson Howard on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianna, please accept my sympathies. I have such good memories of when you lived across the street from us. I remember playing dress up with Terry. Janie, we had some really good horseback riding trips. Your father was a really nice person. I remember being at the music store with my dad and your dad popped in and asked dad and I to go for ’coffee’. Wow, I felt so grown up.
    Again, my deepest sympathies. Hope to see you all in Hays.



  19. David & Marion Wilson on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianna, Marion and I mourn Ross’s passing and extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We have such fond memories of Ross! I will never forget my meetings with Ross about Smoky Hills public TV in Hays and the wonderful visit to your ranch! His kindness, philanthropy and support for the arts will be forever remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!



  20. The Staff of the Sternberg Museum on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianna, the contributions of Ross and you in making the new home of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History a reality will never be forgotten. May you and your family feel the love and comfort of all who surround you at this time, and may Fort Hays State University Ross and Marianna Beach Hall, home of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, stand as a testament to your spirit and generosity for generations to come. God bless and comfort you.



  21. Hansen Foundation Employees on November 16, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Marianna, We were so saddened to read about Ross’
    death. He was truly a remarkable man and we feel fortunate to have known him. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.



  22. Beverly and Daniel Brungardt on November 16, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Our deepest sympathy to the Beach family. Marianna, you are still my most memorable client of my cosmetology career. Dan and I will never forget the wonder engagement dinner you hosted for us. Ross’s passing is a great loss to many, however, he left this world leaving numerous and wonderful memories for all to cherish. Bev and Dan Brungardt



  23. John & Twila Logsdon on November 16, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianne and family members. We send our sympathy and prayers on your loss. Ross was a dynamic man – he will be missed by many people in many communities. We’re sorry for your loss – we’re happy for your many wonderful memories and stories.



  24. Steve & Alison Barker on November 18, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianna, Steve and I are with you in spirit. I am so sorry that we could not come up. We have so many wonderful memories of Ross, He was like an Uncle to me and will be missed so much.



  25. Mindy Werling (niece of Erna Gross Wilson) on November 23, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Marianna, I was saddened to read of the loss of your husband, Ross. What a wonderful life he had with you, and what a legacy he has left behind! I am sure that he and my Aunt Erna and Uncle Busch have had a very happy reunion in heaven and are reminiscing about old times together. May God bless you and keep you and grant you His peace. Mindy Werling (niece of Erna Gross Wilson)



  26. Omer Knoll Mary Knoll on November 30, 2010 at 12:00 am

    We are saddend to hear of Mr. Beach’s passing. He always impressed me as a valuable person who provided jobs for many people. These jobs kept many families together. I also was thankful for the encouragement he gave Mary with the purchase of one of her paintings. I will include him in my prayers. Omer Knoll



  27. Anthony & Loreta Schmidt on December 2, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianna and family. Loreta and I are saddened to have lost a friend Ross and our heart felt wishes are extended to you in your loss. You and Ross have been such good role models for so many people. Us included. His was a truly remarkable life. Thanks for being a part of Hays, our family and for helping our states fine Universities. Ross allowed me to go on the one and only cattle drive that I have had the priviledge to attended on “horseback” early in the Beach Ranch history. I got to put my good old buckskin Charlie to use that day. I remember Ross fondly for that too. You guys were so kind to my Parents in Law when they visited from Scotland, even though they called Ross, Mr Peach. Kindest Regards Tony & Loreta



  28. Anthony & Loreta Schmidt on December 2, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Marianna and family. Loreta and I are saddened to have lost a friend Ross and our heart felt wishes are extended to you in your loss. You and Ross have been such good role models for so many people. Us included. His was a truly remarkable life. Thanks for being a part of Hays, our family and for helping our states fine Universities. Ross allowed me to go on the one and only cattle drive that I have had the priviledge to attended on “horseback” early in the Beach Ranch history. I got to put my good old buckskin Charlie to use that day. I remember Ross fondly for that too. You guys were so kind to my Parents in Law when they visited from Scotland, even though they called Ross, Mr Peach. Kindest Regards Tony & Loreta



  29. Jan Weilert on June 25, 2013 at 7:51 am

    Mr. Beach was to the point and a wonderful person. The dealing I had
    with him were right on and fun. He will be missed Immensely. I enjoyed his company whenever we met. Jan Weilert



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