Janet Edwards

Janet Edwards
Richfield, Utah

Janet Maxine Blomquist Edwards, age 88, died on February 4, 2021, of medical complications incident to age, after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for some time.  She was born on July 24, 1932, in Richfield, Utah, the second of seven children born to Allen Reed and Virginia Blomquist.  She always took great pride in the fact that her birthday was celebrated statewide each year with parades and fireworks.  After graduating from Richfield High School in 1950, she met and married the love of her life, Hal C. Edwards, on September 2, 1952.  Four children followed: Randall Edwards, Christine Ostler, David Edwards and Allison Lee, all of whom survive her.  Hal passed away in September, 2015.

Janet was a lifelong, faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who not only held numerous callings (Sunday School teacher, Relief Society instructor, choir director, Primary teacher, Cub Scout leader, among many others), but who, with Hal, served as an ordinance worker in the Manti Temple for 23 years.  They also served together as missionaries to inmates at the Sevier County jail, and as leaders at the Richfield nursing home.  She and Hal also participated in a gospel study group with other ward members for over 40 years.

Janet had deep roots in Richfield, and of her 88 years, she lived in the same home she grew up in for over 75 of those years.  She served as a member of the July 4th Committee for several years, and was active in numerous community organizations, including the Junior Culture Club and the Daughters of Utah Pioneers.

Janet had an appreciation for the arts.  She and Hal attended the Utah Opera and the Utah Symphony for many years, and her home was filled with music, often with the painful sound of unenthusiastic children practicing the piano and other musical instruments.  She loved literature and poetry, and often presented dramatic and musical readings to civic organizations and church groups.  In her later years, Janet and Hal were ardent fans of the Utah Jazz.

Janet was a devotee of physical exercise, and arose each morning at 5 a.m. to spend two hours at the Richfield swimming pool to start her day.  The words “busy” and “productive” best describe Janet’s life.  Janet was also a creative and amazing cook.  Of all of her attributes, however, her greatest was her unconditional love for her family, friends, and even casual acquaintances.  She was constantly at the side of her husband of 63 years, Hal.  Her greatest and most important love was for her Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

In addition to her four children, Janet is survived by 18 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren; siblings: Philip R. Blomquist, Karl Blomquist, Steven Blomquist, Alan Blomquist, and Keith Blomquist. Also preceded in death by her parents and sister, Kathryn McAllister.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 12:00 Noon in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel, 50 S 100 W, Richfield, where friends may call Tuesday evening from 6-7 p.m. or Wednesday morning from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Live streaming of the services and online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com under Janet’s obituary.  Due to COVID-19, all attendees are required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.