Janiece H. Sax

Copperton, Utah—Born to Warren Robert and Ella Covert Henderson on June 1, 1938 in Afton, Wyoming.

Mom’s life was somewhat a complex puzzle that has taken years for some to piece together. Her family tree has branches that grow every direction but, every branch has been filled with so much love and so many stories.

Mom was born in the living room of her grandparent’s home in Afton, Wyoming. The memories she shared were watching her grandmother baking, cooking and warming rocks in an old coal stove to keep them warm during the cold winter nights. She spent countless hours at her grandma and grandpa’s photography shop on old main street in Afton. Time spent there as a child were some of her happiest memories, it’s there she felt comfort and love.

The family moved to the small town of Cleveland, Idaho, where she attended elementary school. Her parent’s divorced leaving her father to raise two young girls. Mom was the “mother figure” now to her little sister Kaylene who would talk of hiding at recess because her sister was always looking for her to comb her hair. A fun memory we all laugh at.

Lago/Grace, Idaho become home after her father married LaVera (Toots) Swensen, blending a family of two other children, Frank and Carol and adding another sister LaVera (Liz). An old storage unit was added to the small white farm house in Lago that could support the growing family. That little piece of heaven had the beautiful Whiskey Creek that ran right behind it where the sounds of the creek and cool evening breeze made for a peaceful feel.

Mom was not cut out to be a “country girl” for her heart longed to live in the city. After spending summers with her mother in Bingham Canyon, she grew to love the life there. It was moving to Bingham and attending Bingham High School her senior year, that she met her sweetheart and most of her lifelong friends, friends that kept in touch long after they had families of their own. Mom was crowned Senior Homecoming Queen, perfect for a young lady who would gladly exchange a cowboy hat for a crown.

Mom and Dad married on February 28, 1958 in Copperton, Utah. Their first home together was a little apartment that sat above the bar in Leadmine, Utah. Mom was so embarrassed as her father pulled up in the old cattle truck with Idaho license plates filled with hay and cow shit to deliver her belongings  A small little tree lined road in Leadmine that had three cute little houses on it became their second home. It is here where they met their lifelong friends, Sergio and Helen Garcia. The stories of them playing cards until wee hours of the morning stealing the neighbor’s power to light the patio made for some fun laughs. Mom and Dad bought their first home together in Copperton, a home that sat next door to her in-laws. This was their everlasting home where they raised their children and welcomed all.

Mom was involved in the Copperton community supporting the Bingham Canyon Lions Club as a Lady Lion, PTA President of Copperton Elementary and taught the county summer recreation program for many years. She was a beautician by heart that went to her client’s home to cut, wash, perm, roll and style their hair. These women became lifelong friends and really, I think it was more about the coffee, good conversation and the homemade goodies that she enjoyed the most. Her family and home were her greatest joy, everyone was welcomed with love and open arms.

Survived by her children: Bret C. Sax (Tina), Kriston Sax McDonald (Gordon), grandsons Brandon C. Sax (Debra), Colton and Duston McDonald, her great granddaughters Baylee, Brynlee and Kenzlee Sax, sister Kaylene (George) Markovich, Midvale, sister Liz (Moritz) Leichtle, Phoenix, Arizona, brother Cal Huntsman (Terry), Pocatello, Idaho, Frank (Lisa) Swensen, Grace, Idaho, sister-in-law Marjorie Sax Davis, Salt Lake, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband Lawrence, Nada (sister), Robyn Groves Sato (sister), Wayde Groves (brother), Carol Allen (sister), Ray Allen (brother-in-law), Lyle Swensen (sister-in-law), Jack Bills (brother-in-law), Lance Bills (nephew), and many family and friends.

Again, we would like to thank Rose, Ellen and Nikki at Aspire Home and Hospice for their loving support of our Mom and our family. You are truly angels sent down from heaven to do this line of work. You are all loved and will always be a big part of our family.

Cremation was the wish of Mom. Together with Dad, they will now be laid to rest at the Riverton City Cemetery. A family graveside service will be held.

You are so loved and will be missed Mom. May you forever hear the sounds of the nighttime crickets and continue to dance with Dad in heaven (although Dad didn’t care to dance he would do it for you). We will always love you to the mountains and back Mom. Until we see you again, may you rest in God’s Garden.