Janet Ricketts Anderson

Janet was born in Antimony, Utah to Murl Elisha Ricketts and Nelda Day. She was a graduate of Piute High School. Growing up in Antimony with her 2 sisters and 3 brothers provided quite an adventure. Stories are still told of the escapades of the Ricketts clan. In 1958, Janet married James Lloyd Anderson in the Manti, Utah temple. The couple moved to Ely Nevada, where they raised 4 children.

Janet loved camping with her family and cooking delicious dutch oven dinners. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and she would treat friends and family to her incredible homemade candy. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and was an outstanding bowler winning many trophies and tournaments. Lloyd and Janet spent many hours on the dance floor and loved going to the New Year’s Ball with friends. Janet grew up learning the value of hard work, and she instilled that in her children.

In 1977, Janet and Lloyd partnered with his brother Lee and sister-in-law LeAnna to form Anderson Brothers. She brought her strong work ethic to their various business ventures, including Anderson’s IGA (later Foodtown) and Andy’s Western Wear. Janet loved meeting with and serving the residents of Ely. She made lifelong friendships with community members, employees, and members of her church.

Janet was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and lovingly served in many callings. She had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. One of the highlights of her life was meeting President George Albert Smith in her teenage years.

In 2005, Lloyd’s medical needs required the couple to move to Salt Lake City, Utah. For another three years, Janet was a tireless caregiver for Lloyd as he faced many medical challenges, including dementia. After Lloyd’s passing in 2008, she found new things to fill her time. She was an active member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She was also an avid sports fan. She especially enjoyed college football, and absolutely loved her Utah Jazz. One of her favorite experiences was attending a Jazz game with her son, Dustin. She impressed him with her knowledge of the game and each player. Janet loved reading, crocheting blankets for her great grandchildren, and was always up for a game of cards or board games with her friends. She also enjoyed talking and facetiming with her grandchildren.

As the last member of the Ricketts family, Janet’s passing brings an end to an era of awesome stories, kind hearts, gentle souls, and shenanigans. Janet is preceded death by her husband of 50 years, her parents; sisters, Beth (Leo) Knell and Gloria Porter; and brothers, Bud Ricketts, Max (Patricia) Ricketts, and Ardell (Sandra) Ricketts; and sister-in-law Nedra (Merrell) Anderson. She is survived by her children, Janalyn (Cordell) DeMille, Darren Anderson, Allison (David) Jones, and Dustin (Keri) Anderson; Sister-in-Law Enid Ricketts; Brother-in-Law Marvin Porter; Brother-in-Law Lee (LeAnna) Anderson; 13 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Our family sends deep gratitude to Angie, Lisa and Amber of Valeo Home Health and Hospice. Angie and Lisa were not only wonderful caregivers to mom, but quickly became her friends. We thank Amber and Angie for their compassion in guiding us through mom’s final days. We also express deep gratitude to the staff at Summit Senior Living. You all quickly became part of her family and we appreciate the loving service you gave.

A private family viewing will be held Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 9:30 am. Graveside services will follow at 11:00 am at Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South, West Valley City, UT 84120. Extended family and friends are welcome. (Social distancing restrictions apply; seating is not provided)