Janice Nona Shaffer

Janice Nona Shaffer, 79, passed away May 14, 2018. She was born in Murray, Utah, on August 1, 1938, and was the oldest child of Dale T. and Nona Smith. As the oldest daughter in a large family, she developed nurturing characteristics that blessed the lives of many throughout her life.

She attended elementary and junior high school in Draper, and graduated from Jordan High. She went on to study at Brigham Young University where she met George F. Nelson. They were married on November 22, 1958. George and Janice were later sealed in the Logan Temple on April 14, 1960.

After the wedding, they moved to Logan where they spent their married life together. They had two daughters, Stephanie and Kelley. Janice was supportive of George's involvement with the Jaycee organization and worked alongside him. Together, they served their community for many years and formed lifelong friendships.

For many years, Janice's primary work was as caregiver to George, who died from complications related to cancer on December 13, 1979. During this time, she also worked at One Hour Martinizing and Schreiber Foods to help support her family. It was not easy to care for her husband who was ill, work full-time, and raise two daughters, but she never complained. She was a wonderful example of endurance and unwavering faith in God's plan.

On September 20, 1986, Janice married Jasper Shaffer in the Logan Temple. She moved to East Garland as they began their lives together. This time in her life also brought opportunities for more service as she and Jasper were able to serve a mission in the Dallas Texas Temple. When this temple was closed for renovations, they were transferred to the Denver Colorado Temple. Upon their return home, they continued to work as officiators in the Logan Temple.

Janice's legacy is one of love and caring for others. She was a devoted caregiver to both of her husbands. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who always took the time to be involved in her family's lives. She was also a devoted daughter who helped to care for her parents. As an active member of the LDS church, she served in many callings.

She loved to remember others on every occasion with a note or card. She had a quick wit and sense of humor. She would often write an original verse to go along with the notes she sent, and she enjoyed being part of a good practical joke. She loved her family and made a special effort to build traditions that have created lasting memories from camping and spending time at Bear Lake, to annual Halloween and Christmas parties. She had a special gift of making everyone she knew feel accepted and loved. Her warm smile and loving manner will be greatly missed.

Janice was preceded in death by her husbands, George F. Nelson and Jasper W. Shaffer; her parents; and her brother, Brent Smith. She is survived by her children: Stephanie (Richard) Jones of Highland, and Kelley (Clark) Beecher of Harrisville; eight grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by seven siblings: Sharon (LaVar) Burton, Dianne (Steven) Roden, Darrel (Launi) Smith, Dale (Joanne) Smith, Nedra (David) Oliver, Dennis (Cathy) Smith, Paula (Ron) Jensen, and sister-in-law Carol Lathrop.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 18, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the Anderson & Goff Mortuary located at 11859 South 700 East in Draper, Utah. A viewing will be held at the mortuary on Thursday, May 17, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. and on Friday prior to the funeral from 10 -11 a.m. Interment will be in the Draper City Cemetery.

The family wishes to express appreciation to all who have helped care for Janice: the hospice nurses at Encompass and Comfort Worx and the staff at Seasons Assisted Living Center in Farr West, Utah.