Michelle J. Strong, 66, died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 at her home in Optima, Okla.

She was born Aug. 30, 1960 to Darrell and Marilyn (Matkin) Kirkwood.

She took great pride in her work with Optima Paws Rescue. She loved all animals and enjoyed caring for those who had been abandoned.

She served as Vice Mayor of Optima and as a board member of the Optima Fire Department.

Survivors include sisters, Linda Ann Kirkwood, Liberal, and Annette Wilson, Wichita; and aunt, Jacqueline Matkin, Cape Coral, Fla.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and grandparents: Jack and Ann Matkin, and Fern and Bennie Kirkwood.

• Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 at the Liberal City Cemetery in Liberal.

Memorials are suggested to Optima Paws in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd Street, Liberal, KS 67901.

Condolences may be left at www.hornungfuneralhome.com.