Janet Marla Sowards Hess, 74, passed away June 9, 2020, in Payson, Utah. She was born May 18, 1946, in Alamosa, Colorado, to Vern N Sowards and Helen Marie Carr Sowards.
Janet has lived in many places, but considered Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah her home.
Janet graduated from Sandia High School in Albuquerque, NM, in 1964, where she had many friends, was a cheerleader and enjoyed being involved in activities.
Janet married Butch Hess, February 21, 2014, in Albuquerque, NM. They were later sealed in the Albuquerque NM Temple. They have enjoyed their years together, and Butch gave Janet the best care possible through those years. He was by her side continuously.
Janet is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings, but most enjoyed being a teacher in Relief Society, Sunday School, and early morning seminary being her favorites.
Janet enjoyed serving others and many will remember her acts of service over the years. She often did things for others that no one knew about, and that gave her great joy. She was creative and enjoyed sandblasting, calligraphy, making cards, making candy and other goodies and decorating cakes. She would often make cakes and cards for people so they would know that they were thought of on a special day.
Janet had five children: Teri Bench (Jason), Orem, UT; Julie Bowen, Idaho Falls, ID; Wendy Dinkins (Norm), Saratoga Springs, UT; Sandy Harward (Kent), Spanish Fork, UT; Preston Thwaits (currently serving in the US Army), El Paso, TX.
Janet is survived by her loving husband, Butch Hess; her five children, 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and by her sister, Vicki Rogers (Mike); her brother, Greg Sowards (Karen); as well as many nieces, nephews; and countless friends. Janet was preceded in death by her father, Vern, and her mother, and best friend, Helen Sowards.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 19, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. The services will be live-streamed from her obituary page at www.walkermemorials.com. A viewing will be held Thursday evening, June 18, 2020, from 6-8 p.m. also at Walker Funeral Home, Payson, as well as from 9:45-10:45 a.m. on Friday prior to the funeral.
7 Condolences for Janet Hess
Condolences(7)
Peg says
June 11, 2020 at 4:55 pmWhat a lovely ,caring , thoughtful woman . Couldnt be happier that her pain and suffering have ended
Nancy Jefferies says
June 12, 2020 at 3:40 amDear sweet Janet, What a fun, funny, loving friend she has been to me and many others through the years. She was so loving and giving always sharing her time and talents with so many others. I will miss her very much.
Pat Jackson Baudoin says
June 12, 2020 at 3:05 pmDear Vickey and Greg, I was saddened to hear of Jan’s passing. I have such fond memories of our time together at McKinley and Sandia. She had a great sense of humor as well as a kindness of others. She will live forever in my memories and will always bring a smile to my face as I think of her.
My thoughts are with you.
Pat
Ron Smith says
June 12, 2020 at 10:02 pmJanet was such a good friend. Always there with a smile and fun to talk to. Will miss her.
Jennifer Lyman says
June 14, 2020 at 3:46 pmSome of our favorite Christmas ornaments were given to us by Janet! She had such a spunky spirit and she will be missed!
Sharon M McCollum says
June 18, 2020 at 8:53 pmMr Hess and family
I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed knowing Janet . I appreciated her kind and fun personality . God Bless you and your family
Sharon McCollum
Nancy Shannon says
June 19, 2020 at 2:31 pmJanet was my forever friend since we were in elementary school. We saw each other through life’s joys and sorrows and shared a friendship of nearly 70 years. She was always the first to offer help and the last to leave, after cleaning up of course! She was an amazing life force,. a talented artist and a devoted friend. My heart goes out to Butch and her family and I am so thankful she was part of my life.
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