Johnnie Day

Long-time Sutton resident, Johnnie Ray Day, 75, died unexpectedly on July 10th at Mat-Su Regional Hospital surrounded by loving family.

Johnnie was born to Eugene and Dorothy Bonham Day on May 5, 1949, in Elkhart, Ks. He was the 10th child of 11 and the baby boy of the family. He grew up in Elkhart and worked for area ranchers /farmers and then in the oil fields. In the 70’s, he joined family that had moved to Alaska to work in the oil fields. With the decline in oil production, he received a full scholarship to attend college where, at the age of 41, he graduated at the top of his class with a double Associates degree in diesel and automotive mechanics. And he also, earned his GED. On return to Alaska, he began his own mobile mechanic business.

John loved the Sutton and surrounding communities and gave 32 years to serve as an ambulance driver, ETT, rescue & swift-water tech.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Stephanie Blackett; brothers, Virgil Day, Archie Day, Jimmy Day and sisters, Barbara Wares, Shirley Pfeiffer, and Geneva Baxter.

Johnnie is survived by his wife, Cheri Day of Sutton, who he married on June 22, 1991, and we had 37 wonderful years of life’s adventures. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, LaVonne Werner of Plainville, Ks., and sisters, Mary Jo Rick of Kirksville, Mo., Bonnie & Oliver Vargas of Elkhart, Ks.; brothers, Henry Manuel & Judy Day of Navarro, Fl., and Glen Day of Keizer, OR.

Children, Dorothy Felix Day of Rifle, Co., Johnnie Day, Jr of Az., Crystal & Eric Boyle of Salina, Ks., Mindy Ferry of Manhattan, Ks., Jennifer & Tim Golka of Grand Island, Ne., Clint Rempe of Grand Island, Ne., Matt Rempe of Omaha, Ne., and Heather & Mike Myers of Virginia Beach, Va., 19 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. We will all carry his memory in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 27th at 2pm at the Sutton Alpine Inn. Please bring your favorite dish, as well as, any stories you would like to share with others.

A special note of gratitude goes to the MSB EMS and the MSRMC ER & ICU staff for taking such incredible care of Johnnie and our family during our short stay with them.