Melissa Emily Day

Melissa was born on Tuesday, September 13, 1949 in Franklin, Pennsylvania. She was the baby of the family and was affectionately nicknamed "Missy." During High School, Melissa was a member of "Future Homemakers of America, the Girls Athletic Association, Junior Choir and the Girls Glee Club. She also worked as a lifeguard at the local public swimming pool. She graduated from Franklin High School, in Franklin PA. class of 1967.

Melissa married Steven L. Chatley on December 1, 1967. They moved to Southern California where they had 2 children and divorced in 1971. Melissa continued her education with a focus on vocational training in Accounting and was employed as a Full Charge Bookkeeper in Southern California until her retirement in 2007. Additionally, she regularly volunteered her financial accounting services to Southland Christian Church where she was a devoted church member for over 27 years.

Melissa married Ronald Garfield Day in Bell, CA. on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1994. They moved to Arizona in December 2007 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Melissa had a soft spot for all animals, especially cats and dogs. She enjoyed camping, swimming, going to the beach, attending church, singing in the church choir and celebrating holidays and birthdays with close family and friends.

Dubbed "Super Nana" by some of her Grandchildren; Melissa will be remembered for her courage, her inner strength, her infectious laughter, her faith in God, her generosity toward others, her unconditional love of family & friends, and her amazing hugs.

  Melissa was preceded in death by her parents- Francis F. Knooihuizen & Marion Morrison Knooihuizen of Franklin, PA. and 2 sisters- Amelia "Amy" Eisenhoth of Franklin, PA. & Areta Johnston of El Cajon, CA.

Melissa is survived by her beloved husband of over 25 years- Ronald G. Day of Chandler, Arizona; her children- Stephanie L. Jones of Safford, AZ. and Buck D. Chatley of Gilbert, AZ;  stepchildren- Ronda Chatley & Heather Day; sister- Jo Ann Twombly of San Diego, CA; 7 Grandchildren- Bryant Chatley, Corey Cantrell, Zach Chatley, Kyle Kovich, Tyler Jones, Blaze Chatley, & Dylan Hardee Day; 3 Great Grandchildren- Zemirah Chatley, Davyd Cantrell & Abrygayl Cantrell and many other dear family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in remembrance of Melissa on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 1pm at Southeast Valley Bible Church-

710 E. Williams Field Rd.

Gilbert, AZ. 85295

*No potluck is planned due to social distancing guidelines.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared for the Day family at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com