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Janis Anne Warr

Janis Anne Warr

Jun. 16, 1944 - Dec. 22, 2022

Date of Service: Jan. 7, 2023

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MALTA – Janis Anne Hawkins Warr, 78, of Malta, Idaho, died after a brief illness on the evening of December 22, 2022. She was receiving treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the time of her passing with her son, Gary, and niece, Dawn Peterson Katter, at her side.

She is survived by her children, Stephanie Anne (Brad) Jensen, Jason Charles (Wendee Cluff) Warr, and Gary Ryan Warr; her brother, Robert (Carole) Hawkins; sister-in-law, Beverly Warr Ward; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her eternal companion, Olene Kay Warr; sons, Alan Kay Warr and Brian H. Warr; her parents; and siblings, Travis, Laurel, and Don.

Janis was born on June 16, 1944, in Logan, Utah, as the fifth child of William Lester and Vivian Louise Bodrero Hawkins, described by her mother as Vivian’s “little angel.” As an avid learner and life-time student, Janis loved reading and all things education. She attended schools in Malta, Idaho, graduating from Raft River High School in 1962 as class valedictorian, and attended Utah State University (USU) from 1962-64 and again in 1985-88 to obtain her Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude and a Master of Education in 1997.

Never tiring of learning and teaching, Janis had a variety of careers but pursued all with passion and hard work. She taught piano lessons locally in Malta for many years, and then went on to teach in Cassia County School District 1987-88, Logan City School District 1988-2005, and USU 1992-2005. Her love of reading and literature provided escape and solace during life’s difficult times, and she also shared this love by organizing book clubs and encouraging others to learn and improve their minds.

She volunteered in church and community services including professional education organizations and served as the Logan High School (LHS) English Department Chair, 1995-1997. Janis received the “Teacher of the Year” - LHS 1997, “Teacher of the Year” 1st place - Logan City School District 1995, served as a judge at State Sterling Scholar competitions for English in 2000, and received the Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program, where she traveled to Japan, in 2002, for more education. Additionally, she and Olene traveled with the LHS students to Washington DC and Europe as chaperones.

As a lifetime member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Janis loved the scriptures and learning from the church leaders, attending many Education Week events at BYU over the years. Janis worked in both the Logan and Twin Falls temples, and in 2008-09, Janis and Olene served as full-time missionaries in the Jamaica Kingston Mission. In recent years, she focused efforts on family history which culminated in finding names from her Italian heritage and traveling to Italy in 2019 to retrace the footsteps of her family dating back over 500 years.

Janis never tired of creating a beautiful home and was famous for her hand-dipped chocolates that she distributed to many friends and families over the years. She loved the fine arts and always found ways to extend that love to her family, friends, and neighbors in Malta. She will be missed by her family but we know she has found great joy and happiness in reuniting with her husband and many others.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 7, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Malta Ward, located at 280 North 1st Street West, in Malta, with Bishop Lane Schumann officiating. Burial will follow at Valley Vu Cemetery in Malta.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2023 at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, preceding the service, at the Church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/pfRiuq34WUg.

Condolences for Janis Anne Warr

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Marylynne Nelson:
Janice was always a ray of sunshine. I loved her spiritual insights in her lessons. She was and continues to be a light that draws people to Christ and His mission of Redemption. Love you Janice.
From Terry Barrett:
I am glad I made the high school reunion in Sept 2022 and had the opportunity to talk to Janis one last time. She was an inspiration to all of us in the graduating class of 1962. You will be missed Janis !
From Nalani (Wallace) Ferguson:
Janis has always been my second mom or dear "Auntie". We (the Olani/Lorraine Wallace family) spent a lot of time with the (Olene/Janis) Warr and (Brent/Linda) Udy families growing up - camping, 4th-of-July breakfasts, swimming at Indian Hot Springs, hanging out at the diary, and so many other get-togethers - they will always be family to me. Janis was a special person and I am so blessed that she has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My heart is breaking for Stephanie/Brad, Jason/Wendee, and Gary (and their families), but I am comforted in knowing that there is a very happy reunion taking place and I am so glad she has been released from the physical pain. You will never be forgotten, Janis - I love you!
From David Barrett:
Janis was a classy lady. I went all 12 years of school with her either sitting in front of or behind her alot of classes. I helped her with some history of Malta when the church celebrated 100 years. She will be misssed as she was the glue that held our class reunions together. My wife and I were saddened to hear of her passing as we had talked with her at our 60th reunion this past September. Our thoughts and prayers are for her children at this time. David & Betty Barrett
From Ron and Susan Holtman:
Janis has been such a special part of our lives. Ron talked a lot about being in class with her when he came back and finished school. Piano lessons, sports, church activities and just fun times. She has been a really good friend and we will really miss her.
From Ross and Helen Gochnour:
It breaks my heart for all of your family. I fondly remember Janis and Olene. All of you are in my prayers.
From Rick Udy:
Many of my first memories in life involve Janis and her family. From camping to piano lessons or just hanging out at her house on Sunday afternoon. She taught countless life lessons just by being herself. Love and prayers for her family.
From Teresa Booth Menlove:
I always loved Janis! She was like a big sister to me. I remember her tending us kids when I was small and going to her home in Bridge to practice the piano before we got our piano. I loved her warm happy laugh and smile. Hugs to all of her family. My Mom and Dad loved her as I do.
From Genet Orme:
Janis & I became friends as I visited often in Malta to stay with my children, Cami & Lane Schumann. She was always so friendly to me. We became close friends as we both lost a husband & a son. We both loved books, education & our families. I’m so grateful for her friendship & love. I will miss her dearly. My heart and prayers to her family.
From Judene Smith :
I’ve been gone from Malta a long time but the Warr family has never been far from my heart and mind. I mostly knew Janice as a child knows an adult and what I remember most is her spunk and fire. She was kind but wouldn’t put up with nonsense. I know you all will miss her dearly.
From Lottie Hurst :
I so enjoyed serving with Janis in the stake ,we had so many things in COMMON ,,SHE ALWAYS HAD GREAT IDEAS TO HEIP OUR CALLING
From Kristin Bradfield :
Janis was my mentor as a brand new teacher and quickly became much more. A European trip with Janis, Olene, friends and LHS students ranks as one of my favorite travel memories. What a wonderful woman.
From Bryce Davis:
Every time I saw Janice she would give a warm hug. She really made me feel as part of Stephanie’s family The Jensens. She will be missed and we give our love to the family.
From Betty Ann Edwards Wallevand:
Janis was a great classmate. She was always there to get thing done. I thought of her often and so glad I got to see her this last class reunion we had in September. We mentioned having them more often because some of us might not be here. My condolences to her family. A great example of a true lady.
From Brenda Black Davis:
My deepest condolences to the family during this time of loss. I have fond memories of spending time in your beautiful home with Janis teaching me the piano. She was always such a kind person.
From Marcile Edwards:
I have known Janis for many years. She was a good friend. We played many piano duets together and I enjoyed and appreciated her help with my piano technique. No matter where you would see her she always had time to stop and visit a while. She brought joy to many with her beautiful smile and kind words. I will miss her.
From Wendy Wilbanks:
Janis thanks for the fond memories that you shared with me. I will miss all the days of you driving by the house and you honking your horn with a big smile as you pass by in your black Cadillac. How it never had dirt on it I will never understand. You made us feel welcomed when we moved out here. I will miss you friend and I hope you are dancing and singing with your husband.
From Kamie (Tolman) Slater:
Janis was such a special person to me. Not only was she my piano teacher but a dear friend to me. She always hug me every time she saw me. I also would go out and help her around her place to help with paying for my lessons. I learned many valuable things from her while I was there. She will be greatly missed. But what a beautiful souls she was. To the Warr family I am sorry for your loss
Hugs and Prayers
From Rick Neff:
I have always admired Janice, she was a real lady, kind and respectful. I have always tried to tell her hello whenever I would see her. Will be missed by all whom knew her.
My condolences to all of the war family.
From Clain Udy:
Janis (the entire Warr family, for that matter) played such a huge role in my life. They are like family to me.

Janis always had a smile on her face and brought a light to everyone she met. I always loved being around her light, and whenever I found out we were doing something with the Warr family (camping, or just getting together) I always felt a little extra excitement. She had endless patience with me as I showed up each week to my piano lesson with her not having practiced a single time.

What a beautiful woman and a beautiful soul who left a lifelong impression on all she interacted with. She will be missed, but she will never be gone.
From Sharon Hutchison:
Thinking of you with Sincere Sympathy and Fond Memories of your loved one. She was a special friend and will be missed.
From Kaye Carson:
She was always a very sweet person. I have many good memories of her and Olene in Malta. She will be missed.
From Rhonda Chatterly:
I am so glad that I got to visit with her this summer! She was a very dynamic lady! She taught me how to make the best candies ever! She will be missed. What a wonderful reunion for her with Olene and Allen and the others. My heart goes out to the family. Prayers for all.
From Eileen Ramsey :
What a wonderful friend she was my wonderful trainer in the Twin Falls temple. We will really miss her Bob and Eileen Ramsey
From Julene Cottle - Hall:
I loved Janice very much. She was my dear friend I taught her in Beehive when she was 13 and I was 23. We have been close since then. Jay taught Janie in seminary and they were always close. We watched Olene and Janice date in high school and went to their wedding at the temple. We love them both very much. Please accept my condolences and love for the family. I love all of you very much.

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