William "Bill" Madison Beals

William "Bill" Madison Beals, 73, of Ellensburg, passed away at the Kittitas Valley Hospital on Sunday, May 21, 2023. A memorial service will be held at the Ellensburg United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023, with refreshments to follow.

Bill was born on August 23, 1949, in San Diego, California, to James & Alberta (Russ) Beals. He grew up in San Diego and graduated from Santana High School in 1967.  Following high school, Bill attended San Diego State College, which during his time there, changed to San Diego State University by the time he graduated with two bachelor's degrees – one in English and one in History.

While attending SDSU, Bill reconnected with Peggy Clemmons, an acquaintance from high school. As they would later learn, they likely crossed paths as far back as kindergarten. The start of their reunion came when Peggy had stopped by the Scripps Cottage on the SDSU campus to relax, and it was there that Bill was playing the piano. Bill spotted her and could not resist the urge to walk over and visit. Bill and Peg's romance blossomed, and they married on November 1, 1969.

Following graduation, Bill and Peggy started their new adventure in El Cajon, California. After some time working in both food service and the banking industry, Bill began a long and rewarding career in telecommunications, starting with Pacific Bell. Over time, Bill would continue to advance in his career with different companies as they split, merged, or changed names. These career advancements also came with moving up the west coast of the United States from California to Oregon and then Washington. Finally, in the early 2000s, Bill had earned and accepted his retirement from Qwest.

As a lifelong Methodist, Bill was a very active member of the Methodist congregations in his communities. While living in Milwaukee, Oregon, Bill served as church treasurer for St. Paul's United Methodist Church, and upon moving to Ellensburg in 2013, Bill and Peggy became active at the Ellensburg United Methodist Church, where he also served as treasurer. In addition, Bill was an avid cook - he enjoyed cooking for family, friends, holidays, and church functions (including helping bake the potatoes for the Church's annual fundraiser at the Kittitas County Fair).

Bill's other hobbies include a lifelong passion for stamp collecting, river rafting, camping, and spending time with his family. He was a very kind and gentle man who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bill is survived by his wife, Peggy, at the family home in Ellensburg; children Sarah Beals and Aaron Beals and his wife Heidi, of Renton; grandchildren Parker, Orion, and Ethan; siblings Tamara Byrd and her wife Donna, Suzie Sullivan, Bryan Bedford, and Ronnie Bedford, all of California; as well as his favorite aunt, Linda Beals of Montana. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Loren Beals.

Memorial contributions in Bill's honor can be made to the Gretchen Weller Foundation, PO Box 1762, Ellensburg, or online at www.gretchenwellerfoundation.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com