Janice Carol Bertoch Ward

Heaven gained a valiant soul—our faithful mother, Janice Carol Bertoch Ward—on July 8, 2026. She began her earthly journey on November 16, 1937, in Salt Lake City, Utah, born to Margaret Ann Meik and James Alton Bertoch.

From a young age, Janice possessed a deep and abiding faith in her Heavenly Father. She was blessed with a spiritual gift for poetry, which she shared generously to uplift others and as a means for the Spirit to speak truth to her heart. As a young girl, she cherished fishing and camping adventures with her family and found peace in the sound of the river as she fell asleep.

She had a great love for animals, especially her childhood dog Tuppy and her loyal dog, Tawny, who comforted her during difficult times. Janice held a tender place in her heart for those less fortunate and showed deep empathy for those who suffered. In high school, she enjoyed being part of the baton twirling team and graduated as valedictorian of the Olympus High School class of 1955.

Janice was proficient in shorthand. She majored in English and taught her children to speak with correct grammar. She was good with numbers and worked as a bookkeeper for much of her life.

She met her husband, Richard Keith Ward, at BYU in a memorable way—he was sitting on his cousin’s apartment countertop playing the ukulele for a room full of friends. She asked if she could sit by him and climbed up next to him on the countertop. They were married on May 9, 1959, and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they brought seven children into the world.

Motherhood brought Janice deep and abiding joy and fulfillment. She shared her faith in Jesus Christ with her children through her example of prayer and her gift of poetry, including her cherished work, “I Met the Savior Yesterday.”

She endured many trials valiantly, including ongoing health challenges and pain, remaining faithful to the very end.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Val; and her husband, Keith Ward. She is survived by her sister, Judy Whalen; her children: Kirk (Annalee) Ward, Kevin (Debra) Ward, Shawn (Janice) Ward, Patrick (Dayan) Ward, Heather (Daniel) Ferguson, Christopher Ward, and Meghan (Casey) Ferguson; as well as 23 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom she knew and loved deeply.

Funeral services will be held at the LDS meetinghouse located at 10945 South 17th East Sandy Utah on July 14, 2026. Viewing will be from 9:00 am - 11:45 am, funeral at 12:00 pm. Graveside services will held directly after the funeral services at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah.

The family extends special thanks to Inspiration Home and Hospice for their genuine care and compassionate service.