Mina Susan DeBerry, 76, died Monday, April 20, 2026, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Mo.
She was born on Oct.17, 1949, the daughter of Joseph S. and Rita M. (Parsons) Relph, in Duncan, Okla.
For her early education, she attended Catholic schools, including St. Rose of Lima in Great Bend, St. Phillip Neri in Midwest City, and Sacred Heart in Fredonia through Grade 8 before transferring to USD 484 public schools. She graduated from Fredonia High School with the class of 1967.
She attended the University of Kansas, majoring in journalism, and was a writer for the University Daily Kansan.
On Sept.12, 1970, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fredonia, she married Kirk R. DeBerry, of Great Bend.
She returned to Fredonia in 1986 and became managing editor of the Wilson County Citizen until health issues forced her retirement in 2024. Her column, “Checking It Out,” was a reader favorite for more than 40 years, and showcased Mina’s sharp wit and sense of humor.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Rita Relph; her brother Joseph Stephen Relph II and her son, Stephen Kirk DeBerry.
She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Carter DeBerry of San Francisco, Calif.; her former husband Kirk DeBerry, Hanover, Penn.; sisters Patricia Relph Gross, Fayetteville, Ark., Virginia Relph and Meredith Relph Odell of Fredonia; brother Ross S. Relph, of Lenexa.
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 1, at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia.
