Ethel Beam

Ethel "Lucile" McKnight Beam, 84, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, December 13, 2009. She was born August 23, 1925 in Hall Summit, KS, the daughter of Gilbert and Vanina (Wagaman) Proctor. She worked as a waitress at several cafes in Emporia and Topeka, and Jostens, retiring in 1979. Lucile married Harold Beam on September 1, 1993 in Topeka. He preceded her in death November 14, 2008. Survivors include daughter, Waunita "Cookie" (Larry) DeShazer, Berryton; son, Rob (Jana) Koch, Topeka; Five grandchildren, Clark, Wendell, and Rhonda DeShazer, Chris Koch and Katie Hooks; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Carl Proctor, Florida, Roy Proctor, Topeka; sisters, Joy Enright, Emporia, Sandra Hall, Texas; sister-in-law, Nettie Proctor; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by two husbands, Bob Koch and Don McKnight, two sisters and one brother. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2009 at Mount Hope Cemetery. Lucille will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday and visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission.