Rita Day

A very strong woman who fought a good fight.

Rita Day went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at her residence following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Kingsport on March 13, 1954, a daughter of the late Robert and Sally Duckworth Ketron, she had resided in this area her entire life.  She married Leon Day on September 22, 1969 in Scott County Virginia.  Rita was a homemaker and attended Higher Ground Baptist Church. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mom, mamaw, sister and friend who loved to spend time with her family and friends. She loved to cook for others.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kingsport Oncology, Hematology and Radiology, and to Ballad Hospice. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Day (2018); brothers, Gerald Ketron, Paul Ketron, Daney Ketron, Sammy Ketron; and sisters, Iva Jean Gilreath and Thelma Johnson.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Christine Redman and husband, Barry of Kingsport; grandson, Ryan Redman, who she dearly adored; sisters, Ruby Bell and husband, J.C of Kingsport, and Terry Childress and husband, Sam of Kingsport; brothers, Robert Ketron and wife, Barbara of Kingsport, Bearl Ketron and wife, Elsie of Kingsport, and David Ketron and wife, Lisa of Gate City, VA; brother-in-law, Bill Gilreath of Kingsport; several nieces and nephews; and her cats, Sissy and Gracie.

The family will receive friends from 2-4:00 pm on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport and at other hours at the residence. Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 pm on Sunday in the chapel with Rev. Ray Amos Sr. officiating.

Entombment will be at 11:00 am on Monday at Oak Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum. Those attending the committal services are asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:30 am on Monday and then proceed to the cemetery.

Those wishing may make memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.