[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 16073-16074]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING ROSS AND MARIANNA BEACH

  Mr. MORAN. Madam President, last Sunday I was at a funeral service in 
Manhattan, KS, because Kansas lost one of its greatest philanthropists 
and education advocates when Marianna Kistler Beach passed away on 
November 1, 2014.
  Marianna and her late husband Ross Beach--who passed away in 2010--
were residents of my hometown of Hay, KS, for more than 60 years before 
moving to Lawrence. This devoted couple was well known and well loved 
for their acts of service and kindness to others. Because of Marianna 
and Ross Beach, numerous Kansans have been inspired through the arts, 
and individuals with disabilities and their families have lived 
healthier, more productive lives.
  Marianna was born on November 24, 1919, in Lincoln, KS, and Marianna 
learned the importance of empowerment through education at a young age 
from her parents. Elmer and Myrtle Kistler moved their family from 
Lincoln--including their 15-year-old daughter Marianna--to Manhattan, 
KS, in 1934 in order to give their children the opportunity for a 
college education during the Great Depression. Marianna graduated from 
Manhattan High School and Kansas State University, where she was a 
member of Pi Beta Phi, Sigma Phi Journalism Honorary, and Mortar Board.
  Marianna married Ross--whom she always called Rossie--in 1941, and 
they were devoted to each other for 69 years until his death in 2010.
  Ross Beach was a pioneer in banking, radio and television, and oil 
and gas, and Marianna was a support system behind all that success. 
Ross was the president of Kansas National Gas Company and chairman of 
the board of the Douglas County Bank, and with Marianna by his side 
Ross created economic opportunities for many Kansans. But the Beaches' 
business success was overshadowed by Ross and Marianna's generosity.
  Marianna Beach worked hard to make certain education and the arts 
would be a priority of Kansans. She and her husband assisted with the 
formation of the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center and the Sternberg 
Museum of Natural History at Fort Hays State University. Marianna was a 
member of the Mid-America Arts Alliance, president of the Hays Arts 
Council, and wrote a column on art and city beautification for the Hays 
Daily News for more than 20 years.
  For the Beaches' 50th wedding anniversary, Marianna convinced her 
husband to establish the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art on the 
campus of Kansas State University to ensure that art is accessible to 
all Kansans. My wife Robba and I have had the honor to serve on the 
board of visitors of this museum that bears their name. We are able to 
witness firsthand the positive consequences of the passion and 
commitment Ross and Marianna had for culture and for the arts in our 
State.
  Marianna's priorities were guided by a belief in the value of each 
individual, which was illustrated by her lifelong commitment to 
supporting and uplifting individuals with special needs. Supported by 
her husband, Marianna worked tirelessly to maximize the potential of 
handicapped individuals, serving on the President's Committee on Mental 
Retardation from 1969 to 1975. She was also actively involved at the 
local level. She did everything personally. In fact, the Beach Center 
on Disability at the University of Kansas is named in her honor. The 
research done there focuses on disability policy, employment, family 
support, and early childhood services.
  The Beaches' level of generosity will truly live on for generations 
to come.
  Despite their stature in our community and State, Marianna and Ross 
Beach always treated every person they encountered with respect and 
dignity. As a young newlywed couple starting a new life in Hays, the 
first invitation Robba and I received was to come to Ross and 
Marianna's home for dinner. There was never a more gracious, caring 
couple than the Beaches, who wanted to make sure everyone was included.
  For a large portion of my life, I joined Ross and other businessmen 
and professionals for lunch at The Roundtable. While there was a lot of 
talk about sports and politics, I learned a lot about life by listening 
to Mr. Beach. My friendship with Ross Beach certainly opened doors for 
me in business and politics, but more importantly, it gave me the 
confidence to realize that this smalltown Kansas kid

[[Page 16074]]

could one day be able to serve here with my colleagues in the Senate.
  While my family and I are saddened by the death of Marianna Beach, we 
take comfort knowing that the legacy of the Beach family will endure 
far beyond our generation. While Marianna and Ross Beach donated their 
talents and treasure, it is their character and generous souls that I 
and many others will miss the most.
  Marianna was loved by all who knew her but especially by her family. 
I extend my heartfelt sympathies to her daughters Mary, Terry, and 
Jane, as well as her brother Lee, sister Janet, and eight grandchildren 
and six great-grandchildren. I know you loved your mother, grandmother, 
and sister dearly, and she will be greatly missed. I hope you find 
comfort in knowing that she and Ross are united in their Heavenly home.
  We are told that to whom much is given, much is expected. Ross and 
Marianna Beach more than fulfilled any expectations. I am thankful for 
having the good fortune of knowing them for more than 40 years.
  God bless Marianna and Ross Beach for their life together and let 
them be a role model for all of us.
  Thank you, Madam President, and I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Michigan.

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