Regina Day

Regina Margaret (Hawks) Day, of Creston, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. 

Born at home in Creston, Iowa on October 5, 1936, Regina was the daughter of Joseph Gabriel Hawks and Margaret Regina “Madge” (Treanor) Hawks. A proud lifelong resident of the Creston area, she grew up with a strong sense of family, faith and community that guided her entire life.

Regina graduated from Creston High School in 1954 and went on to earn her degree from Northwest Missouri State University in 1973. She dedicated more than 25 years to teaching at Creston Elementary Schools—most of those years spent shaping young minds in 5th grade. Her warmth, patience, and belief in every student left an impression that carried far beyond the classroom.

On October 19, 1957, Regina married the love of her life, Robert Aaron Day, at Immaculate Conception Church (now Holy Spirit Parish) in Creston. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, hard work, and the joy of raising five sons.

Those who knew Regina will remember her endless capacity to love. Her heart had room for everyone—her family, her students, her friends, and even those who simply needed a kind word or gentle smile. She loved deeply and unconditionally, and her love was the quiet thread that held so many lives together.

Regina is survived by her loving husband, Robert A. Day; and three sons: Michael (Janette) Day of Camden Point, Missouri; Thomas (Tami) Day of Creston, Iowa and Kevin (Christy) Day of Hickory, North Carolina. She was the proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as a source of comfort, wisdom, and joy. Regina is also survived by 2 sisters: Julie (Val) Black of Shenandoah, Iowa and Ellen (Ken) Reece of Creston, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Harriet Hawks of Des Moines, Iowa; a brother-in-law, Ron Smith of Arispe, Iowa; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.

She was preceded in death by her sons Edward “Ed” and Charles “Chuck” Day, as well as her parents, Joseph and Madge Hawks; a brother, Bill Hawks; a sister, Mary Smith; a nephew, Steve Hawks; and her in-laws, Frank and Opal Day.

Regina will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her devotion to her family, and her teacher’s heart. But above all, she will be remembered for the love she gave—steady, selfless, and boundless. She lived her life with grace, humility, and a quiet strength that inspired everyone who knew her.

Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on through the countless lives she touched—with love, kindness, and the lessons she taught, both in and out of the classroom.

“Never doubt there are angels.”