LIBERAL FIRST
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Deborah “Debbie” Gail Smith, 64, died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal.
She was born Feb. 28, 1961 to John and Kathryn (Hobson) Harper in Guymon, Okla.
She graduated from Liberal High School in 1979.
She married Galynn Smith Nov. 10, 1984. He survives.
ULYSSES – Ron Schultz, 82, died Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 at Western Prairie Senior Living in Ulysses.
He was born Jan. 17, 1944 to Lewis and Anna (Bailey) Schultz.
He married Judy Dishman May 24, 1964. She survives.
He worked as a shop foreman at Fairbanks Int’l, and throughout his life worked in many roles. He owned and operated Ron’s Tree Service. He also worked at Latters Dairy and Fairmont Foods L.E. Schultz & Sons Distribution.
Dorothy Velasquez Millen, 84, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 at Good Samaritan Society in Liberal.
She was born Oct. 28, 1941 to Alfonso and Mary (Fuentes) Velasquez.
She enjoyed playing Bingo and going to the casino.
MEADE – Sandra K. Ergott, 82, died Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita.
She was born Sept. 2, 1943 to Kenneth and Velma (Pippitt) Pemberton.
She graduated from Meade High School in 1961.
Rodney “Rod” Alan Riley, 56, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 in Liberal.
He was born May 10, 1969 to Leo and Linda (Jackson) Riley.
He graduated from Liberal High School in 1987. He furthered his education at Kansas State University.
He married Gay Compton July 11, 1992. She survives.
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