Janet Rae Hurst Gardiner

Janet Rae Hurst Gardiner was born on May 26, 1940, in Ogden, Utah, to Vard and Myrtle Hurst. She was the third of six children—three boys and three girls—and grew up in a loving family that shaped the kindness, faith, and devotion that would characterize her life.

Janet graduated from Ogden High School, where she served as editor of the school newspaper. She was awarded a prestigious scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh and also attended Weber College before graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in elementary education. It was at the University of Utah, while taking a German class, that she met a physics student, Harold A. B. Gardiner. They were married on June 22, 1962, in the Salt Lake City Temple.

Janet taught first and second grade for three years before welcoming the first of her five children in 1966. In 1968, she and Harold moved their young family to Massachusetts, where Harold worked as a nuclear physicist for the federal government. Janet embraced the challenges of building a life far from home and created for her family a peaceful, loving, and happy home. For the next 32 years, Massachusetts was home to the Gardiner family.

Janet was a devoted mother and found great joy in the many ways she could nurture and create. She was an avid gardener, a meticulous seamstress, a talented painter, a lover of music, and a singer. For many years, she sang with the Utah Voices Choir. She was also a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and took great pride in her pioneer heritage. Janet loved being part of her community and even played on her ward’s women’s basketball team.

After Harold’s death, Janet returned to Utah and settled in Layton, where she cared for her aging mother. She remained in Utah for the rest of her life.

Those who knew Janet will remember her for her kind and gentle heart, her sweet disposition, and the quiet strength with which she cared for those around her. She was deeply devoted to her family, and her greatest joy was the people she loved. Above all, as a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Janet held a firm and abiding testimony of Jesus Christ. Her faith was not simply something she believed—it was a guiding influence throughout her life and a source of strength to her family.

Janet is survived by four of her five children: Janet Ann Jordan and her husband James, Deborah Joy Germann and her husband Tim, Alan Hurst Gardiner and his wife Marci, Monte Birk Gardiner and his wife Diane and daughter in law Margot. She is also survived by three siblings, her extended family and wonderful in-laws, 20 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold; her son, Evan; her brother, Denny; her sister, Julaine; and her parents, Vard and Myrtle Hurst.

Janet leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, creativity, service, and quiet goodness. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her will carry her memory and her example with them always.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 29th, 2026 at 11am at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, SLC UT with a viewing 1 hour prior. Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery. You may watch the service online through Zoom using the "Watch Service" button above.