Beech is often recognized as the “First Lady of Aviation.” Initially employed in 1924, as a secretary at Travel Air Manufacturing Company in Wichita, Kansas. Olive Ann (Mellor) Beech and her aircraft designer/engineer husband, Walter Beech, founded Beech Aircraft in 1932. She became president and chairman of the board of Beech Aircraft Corporation after the death of her husband in 1950. Beech worked tirelessly until her retirement in 1982, to upheld Beech Aircraft’s worldwide reputation for quality products. Along with balancing her roles as mother and business executive, Beech supported numerous art, music, education, religious, and youth organizations. She received more than 100 honors as a philanthropist and community leader, including Kansan of the Year in 1958.