Janet Evans Witherspoon
April 8, 1949 - September 25, 2023
Janet Evans Witherspoon, 74, our wonderful friend, passed away peacefully on September 25th in her home under a full moon, as the seasons changed. Sweet Janet was in the arms of her loving husband of 35 years. She was born on April 8, 1949.
Known as Aunt Janet, she possessed a truly beautiful soul. She never got angry, she never talked ill of anyone, she never shirked responsibilities, and she always did the right thing. She dealt with her 14-year dementia journey with grace and resolve … Janet was fearless!
She was an accomplished engineering professional for nearly 40 years. She designed and built parks and designed many other projects in Salt Lake City. She also designed the Sandy City War Memorial. The world is a more beautiful place because of Janet. She then retired and started a second career as a full partner in Jim’s Businesses.
Janet sold nearly 10,000 bottles of her famous “Aunt Janet’s Real Good Lotion”! She Braided rugs, made quilts, and crafted. She went to Russia for fun. Janet relentlessly supported the underdog, … and was nice to small animals. She was a deeply spiritual human … Janet was a collector of friends … Janet was sassy.
Born into a musical family … music was her happy place … and she had perfect pitch. Janet played guitar and was lead singer in the band “Old Leather” for decades and continued to perform as long as she could … She played hundreds of gigs! Jim and Janet created the Utah State Instrument Championships, which is now in its 25th year. She attended and worked hundreds of musical events and festivals across the country.
Janet volunteered wherever she could, she was on the Board of Directors for TURN Community Services, Civil Air Patrol, Election Judge, Director-Sandy Museum, Chair-Sandy City CDGB Committee and many more.
Janet thrived in the outdoors … Janet spent hundreds of nights sleeping on the ground … She was a true outdoors western woman, born and bred! Janet was a “fish slayer”; She shot her own elk; She hunted birds; She canned food, She rafted many Class 3-4 rivers … She even wrestled an alligator!
Preceded in death by her parents Bob and Norma Evans and her Sister Patty Weighall (Steve) She is survived by her loving husband Jim, brothers Len (Holly) and David (Jamie) Evans, extended family and countless friends.
A special thanks to Gayl Brown … Janet’s tireless caregiver and special friend for 6-years. Without her love and her skills, Janet would have not been able to stay at home until her last day. Thank You Gayl.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 6:00- 9:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to TURN Community Services, 423 W. 800 S. SLC, UT 84101
Jim and Janet’s relationship was rare and beautiful.
In Loving Memory
Janet will be remembered in my mind, as a peaceful caring soul, to each person she met! Will not forget her yodeling as she played her guitar and sang her favorite songs. So fun to play songs with her! RIP Janet…….
Janet was truly a gift to us and our lives! Sweetest person we ever met! Loved her music and soul that she shared with her voice. We are so glad she is a part of our lives. Janet and Jim have been special friends for many years and we will never take their friendship for granted! We will miss her physical body, her love is with us forever!
Janet is always in my heart! A love that last forever and beyond. My husband Paul played guitar with Janet and Jim at Smith Moorehouse. A camping trip to stay in our hearts forever. Full of Love for everyone and everything. The world was truely a better place with Janet.
Janet was truly the best friend anyone could ever have. She was kind, loving and caring. The world is a lesser place for her not being in it but Heaven is rejoicing.
Janet was truly a good soul and this world will not be the same without her. I appreciate Jim for standing by her and being her advocate and care giver for so many years. The two of you made a perfect team. Phil & Joellen
Oh my God I Love her so much. May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through the door. She was already missed by me that is. for sure. I really thought of her every day I wanted to be like her in so many ways aunt Janet I love you ,Stacey. She was my children's Godmother. She was always in our hearts, and our thoughts everyday .good times and bad times did not matter when you saw her face it was all good!.🦋 🌹🌿🌱🪴🌸🌸🌼🍄🪺🌷🍀🌸🌺🌹🌻🪻🍃🌱🌺. P.s.you were a lucky man jim
What a sweetheart Janet! I met Janet when I was just a teenager through my big sister Krisy who introduced me to Janet and their circle of friends. I have so many fond memories of Janet like picnics, camping, and of course the wonderful Aunt Janet's Real Good Lotion. Janet and Jim came over to my house while my sister Krisy was visiting and Janet walked around my yard with me and showed me how to take care of my roses, every time I prune them I remember that moment. Also, the time I went camping with my sister Krisy and her husband, Jim, and Janet came up to our campsite and we laughed talked, and sang together. Janet touched so many hearts.
I miss you so much!
Jim - I'm so sorry for your loss. Janet was a wonderful person. It was always a joy to see both of you wandering around Founders Title or at the Blue Grass Festivals!
Their are no words to describe how sad I feel for the loss of Janet, we have a lot of good memories thru the years. May you find peace and comfort in remembering the good times. Love and prayers, Ruth
nan
Jim, I don't know exactly how you feel, but I know how I feel...LOVE. Love for two delightful neighbors & love for the musical joy you shared with so many on endless occasions. I'll never forget how you first met my sweetheart, Barbara, as she popped up in the middle of the dumpster in front of your house that one day, just after you moved in! I think she was also there, just on the other side of the veil as Janet slipped through to be welcomed into a wonderful world of LIGHT and LOVE that awaits all of us as we leave this stage of our existence. God bless you, Jim, in every way, as you celebrate her life in the coming days, months, and years. You are loved by the Soulier household, Jim. Godspeed.
You could tell who Janet was, simply through the lotion she made. Her lotion was down-to-earth, sensible, healing, and the collection of plants she used brought beauty into every room. That was Janet. Most important, was the name of her lotion..."Aunt Janet's." She took her role as aunt very seriously. She sent each of her nieces and nephews birthday cards every year (and some of us weren't easy to track down...me)During one of my most difficult times, Janet (and Jim) were there for me every single step of the way. She stood behind my back when I felt like I couldn't stand anymore. When I was angry and reactive, she slowed me down and asked me to think, think about my future. She (they) let me into their home and gave me love and safety. Whatever is happening on the other side...they have quite a collection of my favorite people up there now (Grandma, Grandpa, Patti and Janet). She represented, 100%, what that family stood for. I love her so much. I'm so grateful to Jim for the incredible life he created with her.
After many years, I remember the day we reconnected at the Dam Jam. Janet drug me back to your camp and said "Jim, look what I found!". Then she taught me "By the Mark" and we sang it every time we saw each other. She was such a sweet spirit and I will carry her with me each time I sing. You two were lucky to have each other and made such a phenomenal team ..much love to you Jim.
Janet was such a loving, caring and giving person. She didn't have a bad bone in her body and never spoke ill of anyone. Our lives have been blessed by her friendship and love. Starting with practices, performances and creating our gig"Old Leather". What a journey and wonderful friendship it has been for over 21 years! With every together we had, it was always enlightened by her! Happy Trails Janet, till we meet again! Love Gary and Lisa and famliy
Dearest Jim, Janet was the most beautiful soul, inside and out! I loved her so much and will miss her forever! Her smile, her voice, her dance, and her wisdom! She was so much smarter than the rest of us!! I am so grateful to have had you both in my life for over 20 years! Jimmy and I will always be here for you! More friendship, more music, and more love to share! Xoxox
Job well done, Jim. be proud of yourself. Much love from Linda and myself.
Oh Jim, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear, sweet Janet but so happy for all of the love and great memories the two of you shared for so many years. I just watched the video you put together. What a fabulous job and great tribute to her. Sending much love, Wende
Love you my sweet friend! Thanks for the gift of your love ��
Janet was such a kind and loving soul. She not only brought joy with her wherever she went, she brought out joy in others and made lives and friendships better. She fostered connections of the heart. Camping at a bluegrass festival was always better when you got to hang near the Witherspoon’s camp. Laughter, music, love and goodwill flowed through everyone’s hearts, just like visits to their warm home for music gatherings. As a couple, Janet and Jim shared an amazing love story, an ever deepening narrative that was a pleasure to be around and witness. Not to mention they were a great musical duo to boot! While Janet’s life was a testimony to love, her health battles proved that Jim’s life is a testimony to love as well. The care he lovingly provided through the years to his partner in life is a shining example of loving devotion that inspires friends and family. The Beatles sang, “The love you take is equal to the love you make.” Through her earth-bound angel husband, Janet received the love she so richly deserved. The love Janet exemplified will live on forever in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her. We're so grateful to be part of that family.
Jim, We're sorry for your loss. Janet was an amazing beautiful person. We love both your singing and music. Both of you were really good to us and we appreciate everything you did for us all these years. May the Lord grant you strength and peace in this tough moment in your life.
How fortunate I've been to have Janet as a best friend for 40+ years. I cherish so many wonderful memories of Janet's happy, spunky personality. Happy trails, dear Janet, until we meet again. Sending love to Janet's friends, family, and especially to Jim. John and Kris Naser
Janet was a sweet heart who lived a full and accomplished life that brought her more good friends and good times than most of us could ever be lucky enough to have. Jim and Janet, you were inseparable all the way through. You shared everything together. We hope all of your happy memories with Janet will help to soon carry you through to a time when every thought you have of her will bring you joy. Kim and Scott Nay
In Loving Memory
