Janice Ware

On December 23, 2016, Heaven received our sweetheart, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and angel. Janice Bridges Ware (78) passed away after a life filled with many blessings. Janice was born to Ervin Joseph Bridges and Ruby Lott Bridges on August 17, 1938, in Elsinore, Utah. At the age of 19, she married Samuel Dean Ware—her high school sweetheart—in the Manti LDS Temple.

Janice grew up with a fun-loving family in Elsinore, Utah. The family worked together to grow potatoes and sugar beets and to raise chickens and sheep on a successful farming operation. Every midmorning after the chores were finished, her mother and her aunts would gather for a social hour. While the adults talked, Janice and her cousins played childhood games and made memories that she would value throughout her life. Janice and her sisters continued this tradition by going on sister trips with their mother. She graduated from South Sevier High School in 1956, and then moved to Salt Lake City to attend Hollywood Beauty College. After she graduated from beauty school, she married Sam and moved to Cedar City to help him finish college at CSU (now SUU). Sam graduated in 1959 and they moved to Henderson, Nevada for a short time. They were elated when they had the opportunity to move back to Monroe in 1960, where they have lived since then.

Janice owned and operated a salon in their Monroe home until she decided to focus on being a mother and wife. She loved her children so much that she followed them to school, working as a teacher’s assistant at Monroe Elementary for 23 years. She loved the students and is fondly remembered for her compassion, love, and for her sweet, silly songs. She had a special gift for helping everyone feel loved and important, especially those who needed it most.

Janice touched the lives of all she met. Whether it was with her cheery disposition or wry humor, she always left us with a smile. She loved to sing and dance, and was able to turn any situation into a song. She lived a life full of service and honor, and never complained when life became difficult in her later years. She was hard-working, but never expected or wanted recognition. She quietly went about trying to improve the lives of others.

Janice found great joy in her marriage to Sam. She adored him and was blessed by his loving care. Especially in the struggles of her latter years, Sam was patient and kind as he tenderly loved and cared for her. Throughout her life, she delighted in being an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved and supported her family, cheering them on in all of their activities.

Janice served the LDS church in many capacities, but she especially cherished her callings that involved music. She was first called to be the ward organist at the age of twelve, and continued with that calling through most of her life. Other callings of service included Cub Scout leader, Young Women Presidency, Choir, Primary Callings, Relief Society President, and Manti Temple Ordinance Worker with Sam. She also accompanied many, playing the piano at school and in the community. She had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and a positive attitude, neither of which ever waivered even through the direst of trials.

Janice is survived by her husband Sam and their four children Shane Ware (Nanna), Las Vegas; Darren Ware (Marci), St. George; Sanalee Berthelson (Paul), West Jordan; Melanie Jones (KC), Monroe. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, with more on the way. She is also survived by her sisters Gwen “Patsy” Brian (Bill), Sue Madsen (Floyd), and sister-in-law Fran Bridges. She will truly be missed by all those who knew and loved her. She was proceeded in death by her parents Ervin and Ruby Bridges, her sister Barbara Bird, brother-in-law Elwood Bird, and brother Melroy Bridges and infant brother Joseph Bridges.

The family would like to thank special friends and family who have helped and shown love throughout the years. Most recently, caregivers Jerrika Blake and Crystal Bair Whitlock have provided needed assistance and friendship and are dearly appreciated.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Monroe Stake Center (140 South Main). Friends may visit Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield and Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Monroe Stake Center in Monroe. Burial will be in the Monroe City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.maglebymortuary.com