December 28, 1950 – October 08, 2026

Barbara Ellen (Beach) Loos was born December 28, 1950, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Claire and JoAnn (Gerard) Beach. She grew up in Weeping Water and attended the Nebraska School for the Blind in Nebraska City before moving to Lincoln and receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Education, majoring in English, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She married her first husband, Jim, in 1977, and they had two children, Marsha and John, before Jim passed away in 1989. She married her second husband, Brad, in 2003, and became a stepmother to his children, Ben and Emma.

Barbara was a lifelong advocate for blind independence and education, serving as the longest-term President of the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, as well as holding various leadership roles in the National Federation of the Blind at both the state and national levels. Barbara was also very passionate about sports, and especially devoted to her beloved Huskers with her favorite sports being basketball, football, and volleyball. She was also a Saltdogs fan, and would follow local Lincoln and Nebraska players on their professional teams. Barbara was an avid musician, playing the guitar, ukulele, and accordion, and singing in many groups including her church choir. She was also a published author writing many articles and short stories.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Brad; brother, Lani (Bev) Beach; daughter, Marsha McBride; stepchildren, Ben (Nicole) Loos, Emma (Sam) Nennemann, Kevan (Sheri) Walker, and Kyra Colson; grandchildren: Jameson McBride; James, David, Julia, Bella, Kate, and Myra Walker, and Aiden (Heather) and Hannah Colson; and many nieces, nephews, and chosen family members. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Claire and JoAnn Beach; sister, Lauren Merryfield; first husband, Jim Walker; and son, Johnny Walker.

A visitation will be held Friday, October 23, 2026, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, from 4pm to 7pm. Barbara’s funeral service will be 10am, Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Grace Chapel, 1345 S 16th, Lincoln, interment to follow at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln.

In honor of Barbara, the family invites those attending her services to wear Nebraska Husker attire or traditional funeral attire, whichever they feel most comfortable in.

Memorials may be donated to National Federation of the Blind HERE or the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults HERE .