Bonetta Jo Day

1949 - 2022

Bonetta Jo Day
March 9, 1949 - May 28, 2022
Kennewick, Washington - Bonetta Jo (Gillispie) Day, 73, of Kennewick, Washington, passed away peacefully on 28 May 2022. She was born to parents Joe A. Gillispie and Loretta Gillispie on March 9, 1949, in Paintsville, Kentucky.
Bonetta and family moved out west in 1965 as her father took a job as a construction worker at Grand Coulee Dam. She attended and graduated from Kennewick High School in 1967. Later in life, she attended Columbia Basin College and graduated with an Associate's Degree in Business.
Bonetta met Terry in 1966, and they were high school sweethearts. They were married in 1967 in Lewiston, Idaho, and recently celebrated their 55th anniversary. Together they raised two children: Kenneth Day and Kemberlee (Day) Boggs.
In her early years, Bonetta loved playing softball and bowling. She went on to coach girls' fastpitch softball. Over the decades, she and Terry enjoyed watching the grandchildren's sporting events. Later in life, she became quite the gardener and enjoyed spending time with her family and her beloved Yorkie, Sarah II.
Bonetta started her career at the Hanford site before her and Terry decided to start Dayco Heating & Air in 1985. Bonetta worked as the Owner & President at Dayco Heating & Air for 30+ years. After 30 years of service, she retired in 2020. In 2003, Bonetta was honored with "Women of the Year" by Contracting Business, an award that she was incredibly proud of as one of the few women leaders in the field. She cared deeply for her employees and considered them a part of her family.
Bonetta's survived by her loving husband, Terry. Her children: Ken (Sandee) and Kem (Jeff). Grandchildren: Justin (Taylor), Kelin (Samantha), Baylee (Brandon), and Caden. Great Grandchildren: Paxton, Addyson, Hadley, and Hudson. Siblings: Trish-Sister (Karl). Rex-Brother (Connie), Retha-Sister In-law, Pam-Sister In-law (Dan).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe & Loretta Gillispie, her in-laws, Russell & Mary Day, and her Brother-In-Law, Robert Sanders.
The family has entrusted Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home with the arrangements. In her honor, a Celebration of Life is scheduled for June 7th at 1:00 p.m. at Hillspring Church, with a reception immediately following. Pastor Brian White will officiate the ceremony. Everyone is welcome to help celebrate her and everything she meant to us.
The family invites you to sign their online guest book at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.