She married Walter Beech on February 24, , and together they founded Beech Aircraft Corporation in ; for the next 40 years she guided the affairs of the burgeoning company. It was a German phrase that, loosely translated, meant that although the journey might be slow and difficult, the progress was always forward. A positive mental attitude was what she appreciated in people and so this simple phrase greatly appealed to her and she incorporated it in her daily life every after A few aspects of her personality not immediately visible to the casual acquaintance were her great sense of humor and her generous spirit.
She loved real things -- real flowers, real people. She loved toys and was greatly amused by simple gifts that "did something. Miraculously after casually mentioning an interest in a book, an event, or a personal collection, her friends would find the desired object presented to them with a simple note from her hoping that they would enjoy it. She loved giving presents, whether substantial or trifling, and was always attentive to others wants.
It gave her pleasure to do things and find things for others that they couldn't do for themselves. She also believed that one should never "shepherd a gift" -- once it was given, there should be no strings attached and the recipient should be free to do whatever he or she wanted. Another example of her generous spirit was that there was always "room for one more" at the dinner table.
An unexpected guest was always welcomed -- and well fed! She wasn't prone to give unasked for advice and believed strongly that one had a right to do what one wanted in life, to make one's own decisions, to follow one's own path, but also one had to be responsible for those actions and decisions. Acknowledging the fact that there would be mistakes made, she would say "just step over it" and get on with your life.
She was positive, strong and indomitable and believed others should be too. She cared deeply about others, her employees, associates, family and friends, but showed her caring in no effusive ways.
