Janna Lee Paystrup

Janna Lee Paystrup left this mortal existence on December 31, 2024, after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer, and was welcomed by her loved ones who preceded her into the presence of our Heavenly Father.

Janna was born on June 25, 1950 in Ephraim, Utah to Keith and Roxie Keisel. She was the oldest of 3 children and the only girl. Because of hard financial times, both her parents worked full time, leaving her to care for her younger brothers for much of the day. She says that’s where she learned to cook - a talent she loved sharing with her family and others in the delicious meals she would prepare.

This caring for others was manifested later in life as she chose a career in nursing. For almost 40 years she spent countless hours in compassionate service to her patients, always saying how much she loved it. Nursing and caring for others was not just a job to Janna, it was a higher calling.

On September 17, 1967, Janna was married to her sweetheart David while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. It was as a “Navy wife” she and David began raising a family. First, they welcomed a daughter, Dawn. Next came another daughter, Kathy. And finally, a son, Robert. On January 26, 1985 that marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.

Her family was always the most important part of her life, giving all she had and more to make a comfortable and loving home. For many years early in their marriage, David was away from home, either driving over the road or working various construction jobs so the bigger responsibility of raising the family was placed on her shoulders. The loving, caring, and responsible adults she raised are a testament to the wonderful mother she was. Her love was also on bright display when it came to her grandchildren. From texting in the middle of the night to her hearing-impaired grandson, to making each grandchild’s favorite treat when she knew they’d be coming by. She was truly loved and gave unwavering love in return.

Janna also loved creating memories, seeing other parts of the world. She always said her favorite trip was the Mediterranean cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary. Yet as much as she loved seeing other parts of the world, her heart never left Nephi. David and she moved away several times but her yearning for Nephi would always bring them back, back to where she raised her family and back to her many friends - the greatest of which is her closest friend and “sister” Mattie Sperry.

And whether her home was in Nephi or wherever the family lived, she was well known as an amazing homemaker. The first thing people would notice as they entered her home was how spotless everything was. They may also see signs of handiwork - possibly an afghan, a quilt, or crochet work of some kind. She was truly gifted in so many ways.

Janna is preceded in her heavenly reunion by her parents Keith and Roxie Keisel, a brother Ronald, grandsons Sami Samhouri and Joshua Lynn.

Those left to mourn her passing, but with the knowledge that she is no longer in pain, are her husband David, her children Dawn Samhouri (Matt), Kathy Paystrup (BJ), Robert Paystrup (Angie) and brother Allen Keisel (Bonnie), her 10 surviving grandchildren - Michael, Aysha, Adam, Corey, Zachary, Trenton, Tyler, Mason, Sadie, and Jaxon, and one great granddaughter - Adeline. 

The family would like to express appreciation to Dr. James Besendorfer and the staff at Central Valley Medical Center, Dr. Dan Sims and staff at Intermountain Healthcare Cancer Center, and the staff at Maple Creek Hospice.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 6, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Nephi North Stake Center (1125 North 400 East, Nephi) with a viewing 1 hour prior and a viewing Sunday, January 5th, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Anderson Funeral Home (94 West 300 North, Nephi).