Janette Beth Gardner

Our sweet disabled daughter, Janette Beth Gardner, (age 46) passed away suddenly of septic shock from a kidney infection at approximately 7:00 AM, Sunday, July 23, 2023. Janette was born, June 5, 1977, in Scottsdale, Arizona, the fifth child of Don E. and Kathryn (Stauffer) Gardner. The family was living in Tempe, Arizona, where her father worked at Arizona State University. It was clear early on that Janette was “special” in many ways. She was challenged from birth with physical problems and developmental issues. But at the same time, she was a very sweet little girl who had the capability to make everyone laugh. 

 

As Janette grew up she lived in several different states where she met and enjoyed relationships with people she would count as lifetime friends. In 1980, the family moved to Milwaukie, Oregon (near Portland) where Janette continued to develop at her own pace. Because her disabilities were considered borderline she was able to participate in mainstream classes throughout her educational career. While living in Laramie, Wyoming, Janette was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 8. A few years later Janette moved to Boca Raton, Florida where she completed elementary school. 

 

When she turned 16, Janette earned her driver’s license while living in Rock Hill, South Carolina. At age 17 She moved to North Ogden, Utah where she would earn a certificate from Weber High School, the same school her father graduated from in 1961. Students at Weber High School were particularly kind to her and she developed many lasting friendships. 

 

Because of her disabilities, her work experience was limited to part-time jobs arranged for people with special needs. But because she was a very careful driver, she was able to live independently with her dogs, Coco and later Annie. At different times Janette also fostered dogs in need of a temporary home. Her hobbies included karate, cross stitch embroidery (one of her works earned a blue ribbon at the Utah State Fair!), latch hook rug making, coloring pictures, reading (especially ghost stories), fishing, and playing video games. She also enjoyed trips to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Disney World, and zoos in Utah and California. Family Christmases and birthdays were always special, and she enjoyed engaging in contests with her Dad to see who could make the other laugh first — she had a delightful sense of humor. 

 

She is survived by her parents, two sisters, Anne (Allen) and Jen (Weiler), two brothers, John and Paul, eleven loving nieces and nephews, and a large extended family of doting wonderful aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother, Joel, and her dear friend, Rachel. Janette was a truly special person and we will miss her dearly!

 

Our services for Janette will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023. On the second floor of Hidden Valley Assisted Living and Memory Care, 1401 Shadow Valley Drive, Ogden, Utah 84403. A viewing will be held from 1:30-2:15 PM, followed by a short memorial program from 2:20-3:15 PM. The reason for the unusual setting is so her mother, who is currently in Hidden Valley Memory Care Unit can fully participate. Following the service interment will take place at the Hyrum City Cemetery at 4:30 PM. Friends and relatives are welcome to attend either or both events. Funeral services are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary, condolences and memories may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.

 

Services will be livestreamed via the links below:

 

- Funeral Service: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89063153719?pwd=NDZTaE1IOXVZb2k1Q2xmbzFJVVJ6Zz09

- Graveside Service: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87172251719?pwd=dFYrT01ac2FRcFFTbnBTNFpYSEVNUT09