RICHMOND, Ind. – Rheita Marie Harrist Day, age 69, of Richmond, Indiana, died suddenly Sunday, August 27, 2017, at her home. A wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, Rheita would light up when one of her family members entered the room. She shared her life and her children with her husband, Ron, who passed away on February 12, 2014. They were married on December 21, 1965, and shared many happy years together. She retired from Meijer as a cake decorator and was a wonderful homemaker.Rheita loved being around people and giving them hugs. She gave the best hugs.
Rheita also enjoyed cooking, especially baking. She spent many years and lots of dollars creating beautiful cakes for birthdays, weddings, and graduation parties. Rheita enjoyed watching the Food Network and various other cooking shows. When she wasn’t in the kitchen or watching television, Rheita loved being outside, whether it was gardening or just sitting on the porch with her family gathered around her. She was content just being at home and enjoying the simple things in life. Rheita is survived by her four loving children and their spouses, Cindy (Tim) Cox, Paula (Jeff) York, Ron (Susan) Day, and Jamie (David) Holt. The day that Bradlee (Jade), Jeffrey, Alexa (Chris), Daryan, Gabrielle, David, and Gracie came into this world, she became “Nannie”. The newest addition to the family, Axton, arrived on July 16, 2015, making Rheita a “Great Nannie”. She is also survived by her brother, Omer Lee and his wife, Vickie, who she considered a sister, not a sister-in-law. Rheita’s sister, Twila and her husband, Walt, were her constant companions and cared for Rheita with unconditional love until her last breath. She also leaves behind countless brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, her dear friend and neighbor, Mary Couch, and her fur-babies, Molly, Millie, and Jacy, who will be cared for by family members until suitable homes are found for them.Rheita was preceded in death by her husband, Ron; infant son; parents, Omer and Rose Marie Harrist; and brother, Delbert.Visitation for Rheita M. Day was from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 31, 2017, at Mills Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, Centerville. Funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 1, 2017, at Mills Funeral Home with Rev. Johnny L. Shepherd Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.