Janet Sanford Stanworth, age 90, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2020 in Fillmore, Utah. Janet was born on August 3, 1930 in Delta, Utah; the eldest of the 4 children born to Hyrum Elbert and Florice May Wixom Sanford. She grew up in Delta and graduated from Delta High School in1948, where she participated in the student government. She began attending Brigham Young University, but soon after she married her high school sweetheart, Wardell Stanworth, on April 2, 1949 in Hernando, Mississippi while he was stationed with the United States Navy in Tennessee.
After Ward’s military service, they first made their home in Oasis, Utah. In 1956 they moved to Magna, Utah, where they raised their family of six daughters. Janet began working for the JC Penney Company. She was a dedicated worker and enjoyed the work she did there. She retired after working there for nearly 30 years. She has always been grateful for the many good friends that became a part of her life while she was there. Ward passed away on December 2, 2018, and in 2019 she moved to her daughter’s home in Fillmore.
Janet was a woman of great encouragement and humility. Her greatest joy was her family. She was a master seamstress, quilter and every type of handwork. She made many of her children’s outfits. She made quilts for every member of her family. She tried to teach her daughters many of the same skills she valued. She loved spending time in the outdoors. Almost every weekend of the summer, she spent going on fishing trips with Ward and girls. Later on, she enjoyed traveling to visit many of the National Parks. She enjoyed reading. Her favorites were historical mysteries and westerns. If someone suggested a good read, Janet would almost always read the whole story before mentioning that it might be “a bit too much” for my taste. Janet had a deep faith, and was a devoted member of the church, even if she couldn’t always participate the way she wanted.
Janet is survived by her children: Ellen (Robert) Tracy, Peggy J (Dennis) Johnson, Carolyn (Lyn) Williams, Judy (Steve) Schwartz, Connie Ann Christensen, and Joan (Marc) Caldwell; 17 grandchildrenen, 28 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren; brother: Keith Sanford; sister: Phyllis Anderson. She was preceded in death by her husband: Wardell; and sister: Katherine Thomas.
A small Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, November 12 at 11:00 am, at the Oasis Cemetery. A Viewing will be held at the Nickle Mortuary on Thursday, 9:30-10:40 am, before traveling to the cemetery. Masks and Social Distancing is strongly encouraged.