Debra Elaine Beach

Debra Elaine Beach, 73, passed away on July 26, 2026, following a battle with cancer.

Born on January 24, 1953, to Ivan and Viola (Koci) Beach, Debra spent her formative years growing up in Silver Lake, Kansas. She moved during high school and ultimately graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1971.

A natural caregiver with a drive for learning, Debra earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Washburn University in 1977. She was incredibly proud to have been a member of the very first nursing class offered at Washburn when the university's nursing program was established. She continued her education by earning a Master's degree in Nursing from the University of Kansas in 1986, eventually achieving her Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) designation specializing in Psychiatric Nursing.

Debra dedicated her life's work to helping others through mental health care. She spent many years working at the renowned Menninger Foundation in Topeka. Following the clinic's relocation, she taught as a nursing instructor at Baker University. She ultimately concluded her career serving our nation's veterans at the VA Medical Center in Topeka.

Family was the cornerstone of Debra’s life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Viola, and her brother, Galen. She is survived by her son, Shawn, and his wife, Andrea. Debra’s absolute greatest joys were her three grandchildren: Ivan, Zach, and Brianna, whom she adored beyond measure and cherished spending time with over the years.

The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to Debra’s cousin, Karen Tuffley, for the extraordinary support, love, and care she provided during Debra's final weeks.

In a final act of generosity and lifelong dedication to science and medicine, Debra chose to donate her body to the KU Willed Body Program to support medical education and research. Upon the return of her cremains, her ashes will be spread on the family farm where she was raised in Silver Lake.

Honoring Debra's specific wishes, no formal memorial services will be held. A headstone will be placed in her memory at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka next to her parents.