Harriet Day Obituary

Harriet Kay Bortell (Rhoads) Day, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, in Lecanto, Florida, after courageously battling cancer. She was 85 years old.

Born in Indianola, Iowa, on July 21, 1939, Harriet was a shining example of resilience and determination from an early age. As a child, she overcame polio, a challenge that became foundational in her character, instilling a perseverance that touched all who knew her.

Harriet graduated from Indianola High School in 1957, shortly thereafter embarking on a fulfilling career with Bell South. In 1958, she married her first love, James Rhoads, and together they had three daughters. After James' passing, Harriet moved her family to Homestead, FL, where she worked at Pan Am Horizon Federal Credit Union, eventually retiring in 2005.

Life became sweeter once more for Harriet when she married Bobby Day in 1980. Together, they built a life of shared dreams and adventures in the Florida sun. The couple owned and operated Happy Days Bait and Tackle Shop in Florida City, FL. After retiring, Harriet and Bobby moved to Lecanto, Florida, where they treasured their years together until Bobby's passing in 2019.

Never one for inactivity, Harriet was deeply involved in her community wherever she lived. She was an active member of the Homestead Jr. Women's Club, Order of the Eastern Star, and volunteered as an advisor with the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Her passions were many, including participation in Weight Watchers, lively water aerobics classes, yoga sessions, and Mah Jongg games with dear friends. Dedicated to serving the community's needs she volunteered beside others with Habitat for Humanity. She served as Secretary of the Kensington Estates Homeowners Association for over 20 years, demonstrating her commitment to her neighborhood and its well-being. She was also a member of Gulf to Lake Baptist Church.

Harriet will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Helen Bortell and younger brother, Roger Bortell. She is survived by her older brother, Robert Bortell, three daughters, Jamelyn, Tamara and Jill, six grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. Daughter Jamelyn Marie and husband, Von Grant; granddaughter Hannah Elyse and husband Brian Brown; great grandchildren Hunter Brian, Ethan Michael, Caitlin Michelle, and Brynlee Elyse; grandson Jacob Tyler Grant and Casey Bates. Daughter Tamara Kay Segal; grandson Zachary James Segal and Nicole Oostendorph; great granddaughter Bradi Marie; granddaughter Chelsea Lauren and husband Derek Segal-Owens; great grandchildren Sierra Jean and Silas Kay; grandson Nathan Samuel and wife Sarah Segal; great granddaughter Stevie Rhoads. Daughter Jill Renee Rhoads and Orlando Rios; granddaughter Karli Renee Rios-Rhoads.

A Celebration of Harriet's Life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at Gulf to Lake Baptist Church, located at 1454 N. Gulf Ave., Crystal River, FL.

Friends, family, and all whose lives Harriet touched are warmly invited to attend as we honor her enduring legacy. Harriet loved beauty and giving back. Flowers for the service may be sent to Gulf to Lake Baptist Church. For those who prefer, donations in Harriet's memory may be made to Casa Familia Miami (casafamiliainc.org) a cause close to her heart.