Billie Jean Wriston, 93, of Liberal, Kansas, entered into the presence of her Lord on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Born on August 15, 1932, Billie Jean was a lifelong resident of Liberal. She graduated from Liberal High School and went on to earn her nursing degree. Known for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, she never met a stranger and always had a joke ready to brighten someone’s day.
Billie Jean had a deep compassion for animals. Throughout her life, she rescued and nurtured countless cats, dogs, and other creatures back to health. She was an avid and fiercely competitive Scrabble player who rarely lost a game, though if someone else happened to win, there was often a glimmer in her eye suggesting she may have allowed it. She also spent many years crocheting, creating beautiful afghans, doilies, and other treasured gifts for family and friends.
She is survived by her son, Dale Cole; her daughter, Patti (Jim) Sullivan; her sisters, June Legg and Lee Anne Jones; and many cherished 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; her sons, David Cole, Alan Cole, and Gary Cole; her sisters, Marilyn Bailey and Karen Boese; and her brothers, Wally Sloan, Bob Sloan, and John Adams.
Billie Jean’s kindness, humor, and love for both people and animals will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas. Family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Hornung Family Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Jim Sullivan and Rev. Kay Barnett officiating. A graveside service will follow immediately at Liberal Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Angels for Animals or Liberal Animal Shelter in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com