Charleen was born in Lusk, Wyoming, in 1919 to Mary and Charles Scace. After graduating from Lusk High School she attended Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Denver, graduating in 1941. She met her husband, R. Kenneth Beach, while they were in high school. They were married in 1942 and spent the war years in New Jersey, where Ken designed and tested aircraft engines. He traveled extensively for his work and often took Charleen with him. After the war they returned to Wyoming when Ken was hired to teach Engineering at the University of Wyoming. They lived with their children in the “Butler Huts” until buying their home in 1952.
Charleen was generous and kind. She committed herself to a life of service to her beloved Laramie community and her family. In addition to ably raising her own children, Charleen was a loving surrogate mother to many others. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother and a Camp Fire Girls Counselor. She was instrumental in the creation of Meals on Wheels and delivered for the next 40 years. She held every office in Eastern Star Chapter #45, including Worthy Matron, and held seven offices at the state level. She was guardian of Jobs Daughter’s Bethel #44. For 40 years Charleen was a key member of United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday school; serving with United Methodist Women (including as president); Circle; and Laramie Interfaith. She served with Wyoming Church Women United, the Wyoming Church Coalition and the Wyoming Ministries in Higher Education. She was active with United Way, Laramie Woman’s Club and held several offices in Laramie D.O.E.S., including President. There were numerous other organizations and activities Charleen enjoyed while serving her community and her church. She and Ken loved hosting parties, spending time in our mountains and traveling extensively throughout the nation and the world.
Charleen was preceded in death by her husband, Ken, her sister, Joy Scace Reed, and her brother, Charles Scace, Jr. She is survived by sons David and his wife Echo; Charles and his wife Gleny; John and his wife Carolyn; daughter Peggy and her husband Tom La Point; daughter-in-law Judy Beach; seven grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 19 at 2:00 pm
