Janette Anderson

Janette Anderson, age 68, passed away on May 15, 2023, at her home in Smithfield, Utah.

She was born on December 16, 1954, in Rupert, Idaho, the daughter of Lee Verl Anderson and Joyce Jacobson Anderson.

As a young girl, while living in Nibley she developed many skills, ranging from love and compassion for friends and family to all things mechanical. She learned to love and take care of others while helping her mother, and her father taught her to change the oil and tires, or even to tear into a small engine to fix a problem. Janette graduated from Sky View High School in 1973. In the years following her graduation she enrolled at Utah State University where she majored in Biology. Once she became pregnant at the age of 23, Janette put her education aside to raise her son Aaron. As a single parent Janette worked very hard to provide a quality life for her son. She put her heart and soul into her jobs and gained many skills which she used throughout her life. She worked various full-time jobs and would eventually retire from Paragon Medical in 2022.

Listening to music was one of her favorite pastimes. A few of her favorite bands included the Beatles, Steely Dan, Bozz Skaggs, etc. Spending time with family and friends was one of the things Janette enjoyed the most. She would often host a yearly party at her home and invite close friends and family to attend. Music was at the center of these gatherings and they would often run late into the night. Another passion was her yard, flowers, and garden, even if it meant dragging an oxygen tank around the yard in a wagon, which she did! Where there is a will there is a way.

In 1971, at the age of 16, Janette met her first high school crush Cort Johnson. They dated for 3 years and planned to marry, but Cort passed away in a tragic automobile accident in 1973. A few years later Janette met Fred Smith. They dated for a short time and were later married in 1978. Together they have one son Aaron. During their marriage they lived in Logan and Nibley. The couple eventually divorced, but they maintained a close friendship, and worked together to co-parent their son. In 1996 Janette began dating long-time friend Frank Olsen (deceased in 2013). After dating for 6 months Frank and Janette decided to get married on New Year’s Day, 1997. Frank had four children; Chad (deceased in 1994), Quint, Kellie and Katie. Janette loved each of Frank’s children as her own.

Janette loved animals, especially dogs. Throughout her life Janette had several dogs, cats, and one turtle. Janette treated her pets like children, and always loved having them around. She adopted several dogs who needed a home, and she would often take care of other people’s pets when they were away. Animals were Janette’s favorite kind of “people”.

Janette was well liked and respected in her community. She was a people person with a charismatic, engaging, and charming personality. She kept close, and regular contact with everyone in her life and was always there to lend a helping hand or ear. Once a friend, she was always a friend. She was often the first to offer her support, services, and home to anyone in need. Janette was a selfless and kind soul who will be greatly missed.

Earlier this year, she was proceeded in death by her beloved mother Joyce Anderson. Together they shared an unbreakable mother-daughter bond. Her passing left an unfillable void in Janette’s heart. She was also proceeded in death by her father, Lee Verl Anderson age 72 (2000); her baby brother, Darren age 5 (1973); and her younger sister, Nancy age 61 (2021).

Janette is survived by her son, Aaron Smith; brother's families, David and Connie Anderson, and Neil and Cathy Anderson; half-sister, Susan Crosbie and family; ex-husband, Fred Smith and his children, Ryan, Taylor, Tanner & Cole; Frank’s children and families, Quint & Angela Olsen, Kellie & Chris Simpson, and Katie Jo Olsen.

The family would like to thank the Intermountain Cancer Center, Aegis Home Care and Hospice, and White Pine Funeral Services for their excellent care of Janette. She made so many new friends along the way. And a special thank you to her “old” friends and neighbors for all the support, meals, flowers, check-ins, and love you gave Janette. She truly loved all of you.

A visitation will be held Wednesday May 24, 2023, from 9:30–11:00 AM at White Pine Funeral Services, 753 S 100 E Logan. Interment will follow at Millville Cemetery.