Day

Elizabeth A. “Liz” Day was born on April 24, 1937, in Havana, Kansas, to parents Arthur and Velda Brooks Rayl. She died on November 28, 2016, at her home in Hermiston, Oregon, at the age of 79 years.

Liz was raised and attended school in Sepulveda, California, graduating from Van Nyes High School in 1955. She attended the University of Pacific for one year and then Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where she earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education. She taught PE in California for three years.

Liz was united in marriage to John Day on July 4, 1964, in Sepulveda, California. They traveled and lived all over the western United States before settling in Hermiston, Oregon, in 1971 where they have lived since. Liz substitute taught in Hermiston for several years. She took the position as First United Methodist Church secretary in 1983, which she held until retiring in 2001.

Liz was active in the Order of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron numerous times and as Grand Warder of the Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star in Oregon. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church for many years, 4-H Foods superintendent for over 40 years, and Daughters of the Nile. Liz has made quillows for Vange John Memorial Hospice for several years. She enjoyed quilting, knitting, crocheting, crafts, traveling, cooking, baking, and cherished time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, John Day, Hermiston, Ore.; son Brett Day and wife Sue, Woodland, Calif.; daughter Stacey Gersbach and husband Bill, Hermiston, Ore.; brother Charles Rayl, Los Molinos, Calif.; five grandchildren: Brooke, Taylor, Jarrod, Tyler and Hannah; and three great-grandchildren: Emily, Carrie and Jackson.

Liz was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of life service is planned for Friday, December 30, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Hermiston, Oregon.

Those who wish may make contributions in Liz’s memory to Queen Esther Cancer Fund or Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon, is in care of arrangements.