Neta Belle Day

Neta Belle Day (Neta Belle Million), age 82, passed away due to pancreatic cancer on December 8, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Neta was born in Colorado Springs on January 4, 1942, to Carl and Jennie (Finney) Million. She lived in Hanover, Colorado, where her family was among the earliest settlers, until moving to Fountain, Colorado, in 1948. After graduating from Fountain High School in 1949, she attended Blair Business College and began her career at Sears as a switchboard operator before working for Daniels’ Motors. Neta married James Day of Hanover on November 5, 1961. They resided in Fountain until moving to her family homestead in Hanover in 1973, where they raised three daughters. In addition to managing the farm, she was Business Manager for Bar D Electric, which she and Jim co-founded in the early 1980s. In 1979, Neta began volunteering at Hanover School to build its first library. Her love of books, knowledge, and community inspired her to become the school’s librarian, a position she held for more than 30 years. She loved her work and cherished the relationships she formed with students and staff over the decades, nurturing a love of learning in countless young minds. Neta was also a gifted writer and wrote for The Ranchland News for many years, capturing the stories of her community with heart and dedication. She had a way with words, whether crafting articles or simply sharing her thoughts with friends and family. She played clarinet in the Fountain High School band and later became a pianist for the First United Methodist Church in Fountain and Hanover Church. Her music brought joy and comfort to many, whether she was accompanying the Hanover School Choir or playing a favorite hymn during Sunday service. In addition to all of this, Neta gave back to her community in many ways. She was a dedicated leader for the Hanover Guys ‘n’ Gals 4-H Club, mentoring young people and fostering their love for agriculture and personal growth. She also served for many years as a volunteer firefighter with the Hanover Fire Department, bravely responding to emergencies and serving her neighbors with courage and selflessness. Neta's life was a beautiful blend of service, faith, and love. Whether as a librarian nurturing the minds of young students, a writer sharing stories of her beloved community, or a pianist lifting spirits with her music, Neta touched the lives of everyone she met. She was a woman of quiet strength, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and a friend to many. Her legacy of kindness, hard work, and faith in God will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Neta’s family is forever grateful for the love she gave and the example she set. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us every day.

Neta is survived by his loving husband of 63 years, James Day; children, Teresa (Dave) Barnett, Tami (Joe) Pentlicki, Roberta “Bobbi” (Bruce) Richards; grandchildren, Brittny Johnson, Cheyenne Garduno, Dusti Hunt, Rhemington Sokol, Kolton Sokol, Alex Pentlicki, David Pentlicki and Indyra Richards; great-grandchildren, Dulce, Kyler, Dakota and Steve; and her brother, Dave (Karen) Million. She was predeceased by her parents Carl and Jennie Million and her brother Dale Million.

A memorial service will be held on December 21, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Hanover High School, burial to follow at the Chico Basin Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dove-Witt Family Mortuary.