Dorka Herrera Mercedes, 77, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.
She was born July 2, 1948 to Emilio Herrera and Altagracia Mercedes.
She pursued her education in the Dominican Republic, attending both high school and the University of the East (UCE).
She devoted her life to teaching both elementary and secondary students in the Dominican Republic before moving to the United States.
She was a private school principal and a CEO.
She was also a ordained minister from the Assemblies of God in the Dominican Republic and a Bible teacher.
Survivors include three daughters: Fanny Jocelyn Popa and husband, Josue, Daisy Esther Sanchez and husband, Matias, and Luz Sanchez Richardson and husband, David; brothers, Salomon Herrera Mercedes and Simon Pedro Herrera Mercedes; sister, Gladys Duran Herrera; 10 grandchildren: Joshua, Yoshcar, Zahir, Alyssa, Moises, Misael, Marcos, Cristhian, Adriel, and George; and eight great grandchildren: Nhyla, Zanniel, Zayden, Zehlani, Luciana, Seymour, Azazel, and Noah.
She was preceded in death by her son, Wagner Daniel Sanchez; and siblings: Jesus Maria Herrera Mercedes, Israel Emilio Herrera Mercedes, Jose Herrera Mercedes, Doroteo Herrera, Tomasita Herrera Ramos, Jacobo Herrera, and Andrea Herrera.
• Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at the Hornung Family Funeral Home Chapel at 1212 W. 2nd Street in Liberal, with Pastor Josue Popa presiding.
Burial will follow at the Liberal City Cemetery in Liberal.
Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 at Hornung Family Funeral Home in Liberal.
Condolences may be left at www.hornungfuneralhome.com.
