Into thy hands oh Lord, commend the soul of thy servant, Ruby Estelle Day and grant her a place in Heaven where the light of your countenance shines forever. Our dear mother died on October 12, 2011 at the age of 87 years in Brownwood, Texas at the home of her daughter and caregiver, Anna Day. Mother died peacefully and of natural causes.
Her life was a shining example for all her children and for anyone who knew her. She was born May 14, 1924 in Brownwood, Texas to N.J. and Mary Ethel Mayfield. She was one of four children – a brother named, J. L. Mayfield and two sisters, Vera Mae and Katie Lee. Her dearest friend and cousin was Margie Crow (Wagner). Estelle was married to Billy Floyd Day on February 12, 1947 in Brownwood, Texas. She was a war bride. Estelle’s first job was at Woolworth’s in downtown Brownwood. She had a natural love of numbers and was self-taught in the profession of bookkeeping. She eventually began working as a full-time bookkeeper, first at Harris Motor Supply, and then at Smith Roofing in 1971 where she worked for 40 years. But after breaking her hip early in 2011, she retired at the age of 87. Estelle loved her work so much that she was never sick and never took a vacation.
During her lifetime, she had been a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, secretary for the North Brownwood Parent Teacher Association, a Sunday school teacher, and a financial supporter of the Cherokee Children’s Home and the Foster’s Home for Children in Stephenville. She was a life member of the Church of Christ and for the last several years, she attended the Lake Brownwood Church of Christ where she was also the bookkeeper. Estelle’s faith was unshakable and she was a life-long Biblical scholar, studying the Bible each day.
She had a passion for all her grandchildren, Glen Campbell, peanut butter sandwiches, barbeque sandwiches, ice cream, the soft drink called “Sobe” and her WebTV. Her sense of humor was famous and was always accompanied with a twinkle in her eye. These words sum up Estelle’s life: honesty, integrity, generosity and faithfulness.
She is survived by her sister Katie Lee Pulliam of Dawson, three daughters Cindy Day of Marion, Montana; Anna Day of Brownwood; Elaine Day Schele of Austin and one son, Mike Day of Brownwood. Her oldest son, Billy Floyd Day, Jr., died in 2010. Estelle had eight grandchildren: Hayden Ross Day, Brian Alan Day, Lindsay Devon Day, Michael Andrew Day, John Daniel Day, Heather LouAnna Wray, Matthew David Day, and Tara Renee Day. She had one great-grandchild, Baylee Rene Brown.
Estelle is preceded in death by her spouse, Billy Floyd Day, Sr. who died on November 06, 1990; her brother, J.L. Mayfield; Vera Mae Mayfield who died in November 24, 1984; her son, Billy Floyd Day, Jr.; her father, N.J. Mayfield who died in November 14, 1966; and her mother, Mary Ethel Steward who died on May 29, 1991.
Funeral services for Estelle will be held at 2:30 PM Sunday, October 16, at the Netherton Funeral Home Chapel with Mike Hayes officiating. Interment will follow at Greenleaf Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Saturday, October 15, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Cherokee Children’s Home or Foster’s Home for Children.
