Political Quotes

“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.…”