ELIZABETH M. GALLUP

10/9/1956-2/6/10 Elizabeth Margaret- Mary Gallup (or "E-M- Squared-G" as she sometimes wrote) was born on October 9, 1956, in Ft. Leavenworth, KS. At that moment, she was the youngest child of Colonel Samuel Charles Gallup and Juanita Gallup, and the only girl in their brood of four. By 1963, she had become the middle child in a family of 7, and is survived by all her siblings: Marvin, Christopher, Lawrence, Bill, Tom and Lou (short for "Louise" - finally, a little sister!). Having three older brothers meant she developed a tough shell and learned to roll with the (literal and figurative) punches early on; having three younger siblings meant she developed her amazing ability to watch over and give good care. Being an Army brat meant she moved a lot and so learned quickly how to adapt to any situation and relate to people. Being the daughter of a physician meant that from her earliest memory she wanted to be a doctor. Here are facts with which many are familiar: she graduated from Defiance Senior High School in 1974, then graduated magna cum laude from University of Toledo with a degree in biology in 1977. Four years later, she graduated from The Ohio State University's College of Medicine. For the next five years she was a family doc in northwest Ohio, and maintained a full-time practice, treated elderly patients in nursing homes, was the high school and college team physician, and also completed law school and earned her JD from the University of Toledo School of Law in August of 1986. She didn't ever plan to leave her practice in Defiance to enter the political world of health care administration and policy; being a family physician was always in her heart, how she defined herself. But she moved to Kansas City and became a foot soldier, advocating change in health care and the need for physicians to take back the responsibility of managing patients. As such, she started Community Health Partners in 1997, a physician-owned, physician- governed organization. This was just the first of many businesses she began, all focused on providing quality medical care for every member of the community. She earned an MBA which enabled her to tackle issues from a unique and well-informed medical, legal and business standpoint. To try and summarize all of the positions she held as she worked to improve healthcare for the population as a whole and every person as an individual would simply take up too much space; her curriculum vita is nine pages long. It will be available at her service this Saturday. Suffice it to say, she lived to make a difference in the lives of others. This was evidenced by her reaction to Hurricane Katrina. She went down to Mississippi in the weeks after it hit, and spent months in the area, giving free health care and doing everything she could, at great physical, financial, and emotional cost to herself. But it didn't matter - the sense of responsibility she felt to help outweighed all else. Many there will miss "Dr. Beth." Now to focus on the amazing, innovative, determined, brilliant, compassionate, loving, generous, talented, funny, musical person that she was. She lived life so that every day packed a wallop, and loved to share her zest for life by engaging all of her friends in the tiny miracles and discoveries she experienced. She was happiest when she could look at the water, so Lake Quivira and Vero Beach, Florida, were two of her most magical places. She loved elephants, helicopter rides, horses, energy drinks, and competing in triathlons and a marathon when she was able to. Her appreciation of music knew no bounds - everything from Dvorak to Salt 'n Pepa, movie soundtracks to country, could be found on her iPod. Bethie loved to play the marimba, so much so that she bought one and played it at home. She could often be seen walking around the house with a spoonful of peanut butter in hand, as it, and popcorn, liberally salted and seasons with "Twang," were two of her most favorite foods. A tremendous storyteller, she could find something to share that was relevant to whatever situation, immediately engaging anyone within earshot. She adored her father and was crushed and forever changed when he died at the age of 52. When Nita Gallup married Milton H. Penny 16 years later, Beth was happy for her, but she quickly became elated for herself as she and Milton formed an immediate and deep bond, pruning trees in his orange grove and swapping stories and gibes (although she insisted on making puns all the time and was a TERRIBLE punster, much to his dismay). Her compassion knew no bounds; rarely did she have an unkind word about anyone (unless they were doing something wrong). She'd give you anything you needed, while she'd happily do without - but she'd usually buy two! She surrounded herself with vivid color, in her home and in her wardrobe, which reflected the passion with which she approached her life. Every bird for 50 miles around knew that the best and most well-stocked birdfeeders were wherever Beth Galluup lives. Her dogs were her touchstones: Mrs. Ellie, CC and Buddy in the past, Leo and Beamer in the present. Friends and past partners, siblings and their spouses, her goddaughter, nieces, nephews, and relatives are scattered throughout the world and every single one feels the pain of her passing and the absence of her particular, bright, energetic light. The screensaver on her computer summarizes her wish for everyone. It is now our loving desire for her. May your heart be full of love, May your life be full of space, May your time be full of peace. The service will be held Saturday, February 13, at 11:00 a.m. at the Unity Temple on the Plaza, located at 707 West 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64112, 816- 561-5415. There will be a reception immediately afterwards, the location of which will be announced at the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made out "In Memory of Elizabeth Gallup" to the House of Menuha, 801 E. 77th Street, Kansas City, MO 64131, 816- 444-2434. The House of Menuha provides a nurturing environment for women to renew body, mind and spirit. Beth visited it many times and found comfort there.