Billie Jean Wriston, 93, died Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

She was born Aug. 15, 1932 and was a lifelong resident of Liberal.

She graduated from Liberal High School and went on to earn her nursing degree.

She had a deep compassion for animals and rescued and nurtured countless cats, dogs, and other creatures back to health.

She was an avid and fiercely competitive Scrabble player.

She spent many years crocheting, creating beautiful afghans, doilies, and other gifts.

Survivors include her son, Dale Cole; daughter, Patti (Jim) Sullivan; sisters, June Legg and Lee Anne Jones; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Donia Sloan; her father, Bill Adams; her stepfather, John Sloan; three sons: David Cole, Alan Cole, and Gary Cole; sisters, Marilyn Bailey and Karen Boese; and three brothers: Wally Sloan, Bob Sloan, and John Adams.

• Celebration of Life services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2026 at the Hornung Family Funeral Home Chapel at 1212 W. 2nd Street in Liberal, with Rev. Jim Sullivan and Rev. Kay Barnett officiating.

Graveside services will follow immediately at the Liberal City Cemetery in Liberal.

Friends may call from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Hornung Family Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to Angels for Animals or Liberal Animal Shelter in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, KS 67901.

Condolences may be left at www.hornungfuneralhome.com.