Janet Corlis Whitaker

Surrounded by love, Janet Sue Corlis Whitaker, 68, won the eternal reward of a life well lived and returned to her heavenly father and the loving arms of her parents on March 19, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was born the only child of Harriet Suzanne Long and Charles Dayton Corlis on September 27, 1942 in Ogden Utah. Jan married her sweetheart of 52 years on August 15, 1959 in Ogden, Utah. Marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on August 19, 1965. She attended Ogden High School and graduated from Bountiful High School in 1960. Jan was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all her life. She served in Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women’s Presidencies. Jan spent a life full of service, including a mission served with her husband in the Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Hawaii.

Jan loved children, and adored babies. In addition to raising and loving each of her five children, she loved working with the young women in the neighborhood, and changed many lives. She was a connoisseur of children’s literature, and could tell a story like no one else. She perfected the art of grandmothering through reading, games, knitting, songs, musicals, and her famous caramel apples. Her yearly fall festival will be a favorite memory of all her grandkids.

She loved to be surrounded by her family and friends, and had a gift for entertaining. The ward parties never went without an amazing theme, wonderful food, and lots of fun. This love led her into the catering business where she owned and operated Colonial Reception Center and Colonial Gift and Floral where she expanded into the corporate gift basket business which she continued for over 25 years.

Jan is reunited with her parents, and is survived by her husband, R. Russell Whitaker, children, Kim Fleming, Shelley (Rick) Cleveland, Russell Kris (Nicole) Whitaker, Heidi (James) Redmond, and Scott Whitaker, 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her cousins, Bonnie Davis, Elaine Allington and Donna Harlin who she always considered her sisters. She was blessed with wonderful friends who were also like sisters and with whom she shares many of her fondest memories. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 26 at 11:00 a.m. in the Farmington Rock Church, 272 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah. Friends and family may attend a viewing Friday, March 25th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah and also at the church from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Farmington City Cemetery.