On Christmas Eve at 12:24pm, Mike D. Smith of Johnson, Kansas, earned his eternal pilot’s license and took to the skies one final time. While he will be missed, his family knows two things: he's no longer suffering, and he's now flying high in the cockpit of his Bearcat Warbird he lovingly named "Lois Jean." During his final and unending flight, there will be only blue skies, a strong tailwind w...

Endercio (Andy) Perez, age 83, died Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at his home in Ulysses. He was born March 17, 1940, in Beeville, Texas, the son of Maclovio and Juanita (Nino) Perez. Endercio grew up in Texas but spent most of his adult life in Ulysses. He married Maria Paniagua in May of 1974 in El Paso, Texas. Endercio worked in the fields for many years. He enjoyed painting and fixin...

Juan Nila Gomez, age 69, died Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on May 16, 1954, in El Tecolote, Guanajuato, Mexico, the son of Nemesio and Maria de Jesus (Gomez) Nila.  When Juan was 18 years old, he moved to the United States and for the last 30 years he has been a resident in Ulysses, Kansas. Juan married Teresa Lozano on April 20, 197...

It is with profound sadness and hearts filled we share the news of the passing of John “Ricky” H. Chavez, a beloved husband, devoted father, cherished son, dear brother, and treasured friend. On December 23, 2023, at Bob Wilson Hospital, Ricky embarked on his journey beyond this world, surrounded by the love of those who held him closest to their hearts. Born on May 2, 1962, in the town of ...

Tabin Padilla, age 62, died Sunday, December 24, 2023, at his home in Hugoton, Kansas. He was born June 20, 1961, in Tabasco, Zacatecas, Mexico, the son of Rigoberto and Aurora (Ruiz) Padilla. Tabin was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, where he enjoyed farming, cattle, and bull riding. In 1984, he moved to California and married his wife, Zoila De La Cruz and started their life together. They moved...

Ethel Marie Grant, 86, of Liberal, passed away on Monday December 25, 2023 at Wheatridge Care Park. She was born on March 12, 1937 to Emsily Milton and Mary (Anderson) Buck at Liberal, KS. In 1959 she married Donald Grant: he preceded her in death. She attended school at Liberal High School and celebrated with the class of 1955. Marie worked as a Office Manager for Dr. Cauble for 25 ...

Rodney “Rod” Mark Carr, 69, died Saturday December 23, 2023, in Liberal, Kansas. He was born July 10, 1954, to Willard Henry and Lilla Marie Carr (Morlan) in Liberal. Rodney graduated from Liberal High School in 1972. He attended Seward County Community College. As a young boy he was actively involved in Boy Scouts, Troop 180. Rodney developed the love of swimming, becoming an avid ...

Gary "Red" Grice, a loving husband, father, and papa, bid farewell to this world on December 21, 2023. He was born on January 26, 1943, in Amarillo, Texas and was the son of Kermit Ross and Mildred Elizabeth (Booth) Grice. Alongside his beloved parents, Gary was preceded in death by his infant brother Bobby Ross Grice and sister Janice McBee. From an early age, Gary exhibited a strong work ethi...

Juana Longoria, a loving and proud homemaker, age 57, left this world on December 17, 2023, in Satanta, Kansas. She was born on May 18, 1966, in Ciudad Acuña Coahuila, Mexico. Juana's life was dedicated to her family, and she found immense joy in cooking and ensuring a clean and comfortable home for her husband and children. Her warm personality was marked by love, care, and compassion. Juana'...

Luis (Tata) Hector Perez, age 28 of New Ulm, Minnesota, formerly of Ulysses, Kansas, died unexpectedly in a car accident in rural New Ulm on Saturday, December 16, 2023. Luis Hector Perez was born April 8, 1995, in Johnson City, Kansas, to Blanca Irene Lopez and Guadalupe Perez Garcia. He was a 2013 graduate from Ulysses High School in Ulysses, Kansas, and he furthered his education working ...