Barbara Beach

Maple Hill-Barbara Grace Kresie Beach, 91, passed away Saturday, August 10, 2013 at the House at Midland Hospice Care in Topeka.

She was born February 10, 1922 at Auburn, the daughter of Albert and Adeline McLaughlin Kresie. She lived in McLouth as a youngster and then moved to Iowa. Her father was a foreman in the paving business. They moved where he could find work and then wintered in Ames where she graduated from high school.

Barbara moved to the Ivy Vine Farm East of Keene in 1945. She was married to Merrill E. Beach on June 5, 1946 at Cottonwood Falls. They moved to the Beach Family Farm in 1948. She was an avid gardener and loved to dance and was an accomplished tap dancer.

She was preceded in death by her husband Merrill on August 19, 2008. Barbara was also preceded in death by her parents and by her brother Albert "Bud" Kresie Jr. in WWII.

Survivors include three sons, Rodger (Sheryl) Beach, Maple Hill, Ronald (Linda) Beach, Topeka and Robert (Marilyn) Beach, Maple Hill; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Memorial graveside services will be at 10:00 A.M.Saturday, August 17, 2013 at the KeeneCemetery. Inurnment will be in the family columbarium. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care or Helping Hands Humane Society both of Topeka and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple, St. Marys, Kansas66536.