Susan Bleyl Day

Following a lifelong passion for reading obituaries, Susan Bleyl Day, 78, decided it was time to be in one herself when she passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

Sue, as she was affectionately known among friends and family, was first diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2009 at which time she was told she had 3 to 5 years to live. Although Sue was full of compassion and love for others, she was also full of "I'll do what I want when I want", so she did exactly that for fifteen plus years while her diagnosis was forced to take a backseat to more important events.

Among these were two pacific-to-atlantic cross-country roadtrips, serving an 18-month full-time Church mission with her husband, David, in San Diego and a 50th wedding anniversary celebration surrounded by family and friends. There were also numerous trail rides on horseback, camping in the mountains, travel to spend time with grandchildren, and meticulously planning to build the perfect house.

For those who don't know what a perfect house is, it's one that has a butler's pantry.

Sue was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Edith and Adiel Bleyl. At age 10, her family moved to Citrus Heights, California where she grew to embrace a lively social life. She particularly enjoyed her role as a cheerleader at San Juan High School. Sue met her future husband, David Day, while he was serving a full-time mission in the area, and they married in The Salt Lake Temple on November 25, 1964.

In 1976, they moved their growing family to Draper, Utah and started a farm where she worked tirelessly raising crops as well as colts. Sue was also a strong advocate for her children’s academic growth and experiences. She served as PTA President at Draper Elementary and never turned down the chance to help with homework and school projects when asked.

By 1987, she was the mother of seven children to whom she provided unconditional love, a safe home, countless uplifting memories, and a strong example of faithfully following the teachings of Jesus Christ. She did sometimes snoop in their rooms for various contraband, finding the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition on one occasion, but since she also taught us the importance of forgiveness, love and understanding always conquered. Well played, Mom, well played.

While living in Draper, Sue became an avid explorer of the Lone Peak Wilderness area and the Wasatch Mountains through many camping, horseback riding, and hiking trips. Her enthusiasm for the outdoors later expanded into extended treks to the Salt River, Teton, and Windriver ranges in Wyoming. Her attempt to climb the Grand Teton was stopped only a short distance from the top due to ice that made it dangerous to continue.

Sue dedicated much of her life to the service of others through the many callings she held as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some, such as stake Primary President and stake Relief Society President, required a lot of time. Others required a lot of patience. None of them were easy for her but regardless of the calling or the request, Sue truly gave her all when asked to fill a need.

In 2006, Sue and David completed a milestone when their youngest, Rachel, graduated from Alta High School which completed twenty-six years of having children attend there. One year later, construction of their new home was completed and they relocated to Star Valley. Living in Bedford, Wyoming was the realization of a lifelong dream and over time resulted in many friendships that she greatly valued.

Sue frequently rode her favorite horse, Palladin, to explore the trails and vistas offered by Bridger-Teton National Forest as well as many areas in Utah. Some of her favorite outings on horseback were with The Pistol Packing Mamas, a group of like-minded adventurous friends. Age was never a deterrent for Sue when it came to riding a horse. She purchased one just months before her death with every intention of riding it.

Despite growing up in humble circumstances, Sue pushed herself to learn challenging and new things. After completing ground school and the required in-flight hours with an instructor, she flew a Cessna 150 as its sole occupant, taking off and landing at Salt Lake airport no. 2. She also mastered dirt biking and waterskiing and was just as comfortable riding rocky roads in the desert as she was giving her children tips on how to get up on one ski while being pulled behind a boat.

Like all of us, Sue was not without her imperfections. Among them was removing and cleaning dishes the microsecond they were left unattended, thereby creating more dirty dishes when the person returned to get seconds. And despite valiant efforts, she was never successful in asking, "Will you take out the trash?" She always stuck with her much preferred, albeit less effective, "Do you want to take out the trash?" A recent survey in the family revealed that no one ever wanted to take out the trash.

Family and friends were Sue’s greatest treasure. Determining how to spend her time, where to travel, or what activity to do was always done to share experiences with those whom she loved and who enriched her life emotionally and spiritually. At her core, Sue was a people person and prioritized meaningful connections.

In the end, pulmonary fibrosis claimed Sue’s life. But having beat it by more than fifteen years, she is the clear winner in our eyes. She is now with loved ones that she has not seen in a very long time and we know that her joy is overflowing.

We are very grateful to the many doctors and nurses at Lone Peak Hospital, KPC Promise Hospital as well as the home health nurses, therapists and hospice staff that provided expert and compassionate care for Sue while she bravely faced an illness she knew would end her life. Their support along with the prayers and encouragement of friends and family gave her the strength she needed to prepare for the inevitable with grace and wisdom.

Sue is greatly loved and will be sorely missed.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Adiel Bleyl, and a brother, Terry Bleyl. She is survived by her sisters Sandi Cook, Anita Olszowka, and Lisa Shick, and her brother, Jeff Bleyl. She is also survived by her husband, David Day, and children Jennifer Pickett (Kelvin), Michael Day, Matthew Day (Julie), Paul Day (Melanie), Nathan Day (Sarah), Christina Day (David), Rachel Larsen (Adam), twenty-five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In what one might aptly refer to as bittersweet, Christina is expecting the birth of grandchild number twenty-six on September 24, 2024, which would have been Sue’s 79th birthday.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life service with the program beginning at 6:00 PM on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the pavilion and field directly west of the Draper Corner Canyon Stake Center, 13366 South 1300 East. A meeting for family members will begin at 4:30 PM.

Due to the Draper Days celebration that will be ongoing at that time, traffic is likely to be congested so please allow extra time for travel. Please also note that this event will be outdoors and that, as per Sue’s desire, dress is casual– which is very good because July is a hot month.