Heather, I’m so sorry for your loss.
I know how much love there was between you and your mom.
~Michelle Payne
Michelle Payne
In Loving Memory
Janice Carol Bertoch Ward
1937•2026
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Recording of the Obituary
Obituary
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.
Tributes
When Janice was in better health, we would get together once a week and tour antique stores, thrift stores and then go to lunch. In the last couple of years when she became so ill, I would go up to her house and stay with her sometimes 3 days at a time. We talked sharing memories of younger years and the fun we had. We were very close and I loved her so much. I am so glad I was able to spend so much time with her. She was in so much pain all the time in the last couple of years, But, we both enjoyed our time together.
Judy whalen
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. She will be deeply missed. We have such fond memories of family holidays and camping trips together. We are sure the reunion with her husband, parents, and brother is a happy one. With love, Val and Linda Bertoch family
Linda Bertoch and family
I had the blessing of serving Janice as a home teacher and later as her minister. We laughed and cried many times together. I learned much about her life from her. She suffered much in the later years of her life. I find great comfort in knowing she is free from the challenges of mortal I ty.
I am certain that loved ones and the Savior greeted and embraced her in the Spirit world. She spoke often to me of her love for her family, nothing was more important to her than her family. May the Lord bless and comfort you in this time of loss and sorrow. Jerry
Jerry L Ford
I have loved Janice Ward for many years. She would always prepare herself to greet me formally, and insisted on sitting down in the living room for a proper visit even when it was difficult for her to walk. Her family was her greatest joy. She was so proud of each one of her beloved children. Her memory was always sharp.. and her grammar was always perfect. I am so happy that her suffering is over.. I’ll bet she RAN into heaven!
Jody Sybrowsky
July 10, 2026 “I'm saddened to hear of Janice's passing, but I know she has been wanting to go to the other side now, for some time. We had a lifetime of friendship starting in our high school years at Olympus. We used to play Scrabble every afternoon at my house and we've continued playing online with Worlds with Friends! She was just slightly better than I was, LOL, but we always had fun. I think we had only one or two disagreements in all these years. She was a sister I never had. Love you Jan....”
June Booth
I have very fond memories of the fun times we cousins had together. Sleepovers, attending Olympus High School together my senior year and her junior year. Working together at ZCMI Wholesale. Visits with my boys playing with her boys. As the years passed we had lots of phone calls trying to keep up with what was going on in our lives. The joys and the sad times.
She was in so much pain the last time we talked
we agreed that she would call me if she could handle it. I'm grateful that she has been released from her pain and is now home.
She will be missed .
LaRae Bertoch Funcannon
Although it’s been many years ago, I remember Janice was always kind and complimentary towards me. She always showed interest and was generous, e.g. sharing poetry and even money to gamble with at Wendover. 😀. May she rest in peace and I hope Heather, Meghan, and the rest of the family will be comforted through their grief.
Matt Ferguson
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