Janice Evans

Orem, UT - Janice Elaine Jessen Evans, 83, of Orem, UT passed away at her home surrounded by loved ones following a stroke. Janice was born October 21, 1933 in Glenwood, UT to James and Marjory Payne Jessen, the 3rd of five children.  By the age of 13, Janice had lost both her parents and lived with aunts and uncles until graduating from Richfield High.  She then received her training at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City to fulfill her desire to serve others as a nurse. As a student nurse she cared for and fell in love with Dean Evans during his nine month hospital stay as a patient.  Janice and Dean were married July 1, 1954 in the LDS Manti Temple. They raised their six children in several states as they moved with Dean’s work, before eventually returning to Utah.

Janice was very talented and excelled at crafts, quilting, crocheting, embroidering, and knitting. Each grandchild received homemade gifts at Christmas. Later in her life, quilting became her passion.  Some years she made up to 30 quilts to give to each family member. Her prolific handiwork will endure for many years in the homes and hearts of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was an avid reader and enjoyed collecting spoons from her travels as well as those she received from family and friends.

Janice loved to teach as she shared her knowledge of emergency preparedness and love for family history research with many.  Most of all she was a teacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She served in many church leadership positions and shared her love of the Lord as she served. Janice taught others through her example as she tried to follow the Savior’s example.  One of her life highlights was serving with Dean in the Tacoma Washington Mission 1998-99.

Janice is survived by her children, Elaine (Craig) Huish, Gary (Renee) Evans, Jeanine (Ron) McFarland, Linda Evans, Chris (Angie) Evans; 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Dorothy Winn, two brothers, Gordon (Diane) Jessen and Eldon Jessen.  Janice was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dean and sweet daughter Julia; her parents and brother, Val Dean Jessen. In lieu of flowers and to honor Janice’s life of serving others, please consider donating to the LDS Humanitarian Fund in her memory.  https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/donations/lds-church/humanitarian-services/humanitarian-aid-fund.html?cde2=475

Funeral services will be Monday, Dec. 26th in the Timpview 5th Ward chapel, 865 W. 1000 N., Orem, UT.  There will be a viewing from 9-10:30am with the service held at 11:00am. Interment will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

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