A lovely symphony's final note has faded into silence, while beyond our senses a magnificent new overture begins... Janet Andersen Ray, beloved wife of Oakley J. Ray, devoted mother, revered sister, and friend to all, passed gracefully from this life on May 24, 2013 at the place she most loved to be--at home, surrounded by family, memories and music, with her toes still tapping to melodies to which her body could no longer dance.
Recently immobilized and vocally silenced by a severe stroke, Janet's sparkling blue eyes still flashed with love and her gentle touch spoke volumes as her graduation from this life neared. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service and fortitude that will be cherished by all who were blessed to know her, most especially by those privileged to call her Mom, Grandma, or "Grandma the Great."
Janet was born on December 15, 1921 in Howell, Utah to Hans Andersen and Mynoa Richardson Andersen. She was the fifth of their 10 children and had three brothers and seven sisters.
When Janet was two years old her family moved from Howell to Virden, New Mexico where she spent the rest of her childhood and graduated from high school. After her father passed away in 1940 her family moved to Mesa, Arizona where she lived the remainder of her life.
In 1943 she met her future husband Oakley while he was a student at ASU in Tempe. While Oakley served as an officer in the Navy during World War II, Janet and he were married on June 2, 1944 in the Mesa, Arizona temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
During the ensuing family years Janet gave birth to 12 children; ten girls and two boys. She whole-heartedly embraced her role as a mother, and became a revered matriarch to her large family that grew to include 88 grandchildren and 212 great-grandchildren at latest counting.
Known for her deep, rich, alto voice, Janet made a life of making music with her immediate and extended family. Rare was the day or family activity when a familiar song wasn't rolling smoothly off her tongue, and many were the neighbors who kept time by the musical repertoire constantly emanating from her backyard clothesline, garden and fruit orchard. Her gift of music continues to bless the lives of her offspring in countless ways. A tireless worker,
Janet was famous for always having a project of some kind in progress, many of them overlapping, and her ability to keep every ball in the air as she juggled her numerous responsibilities and interests. She threw countless parties, tied innumerable quilts, bottled warehouses of produce, sewed closets of clothing, baked truckloads of bread, served faithfully in numerous church callings, and did it all while engaged heart and soul in her chosen twin professions of wife and mother.
Nothing came before family with Janet, and her devotion to, and loving care for, her family is her greatest legacy. Her maternal skills and talent were publicly recognized when she was named Arizona Mother of the Year in 1983, proudly representing her family and state at the New York City convention that year.
That devotion to family derived from her stalwart faith and dedication to her Lord and Savior through her lifelong membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served tirelessly in the Church, steadfastly supported her husband and children in numerous church callings and missionary assignments, and personally fulfilled several missions for the Church with Oakley during their "retirement" years, on one occasion nearly losing her life in a terrible auto accident while serving in England. But there was nothing that stood in the way of Janet's exercising her deeply held faith, and her service and example through the years stand as a perpetual beacon to family and friends. Service came as easily to Janet as breathing does to most, and the beneficiaries of her kindness are legion. Love radiated from Janet like light from the sun, naturally and to all compass points, without prejudice or preconception.
She never met a person she didn't like, and all were welcomed warmly into her circle, large as it was. The lingering warmth of her love and graciousness will remain vibrant long after the sun has set on her physical presence.
Janet was preceded in death by three of her daughters: Judianne, Linda, and Lana (Viehweg).
She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 70 years, Oakley, and their children Beverly Walker (LeeRen), Carol Soelberg (Glade), Joyce Clifton (Chuck), Sharon Snyder (Ray), Delwyn, Norene Bean (Matt), Stan, Judene Spiel (Bob), and Launette Shaw (Kelly).
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 1 at 11:00 am at the LDS Mesa East Stake Center located at 2228 East Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ 85213.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Meldrums Mortuary.
Janet's family wishes to express their sincere thanks to all who have so kindly supported them and Janet in thought, prayer and service.
A lovely symphony's final note has faded into silence, while beyond our senses a magnificent new overture begins... Janet Andersen Ray, beloved wife of Oakley J. Ray, devoted mother, revered sister, and friend to all, passed gracefully from this life on May 24, 2013 at the place she most loved to be--at home, surrounded by family, memories and music, with her toes still tapping to melodies to which her body could no longer dance.
Recently immobilized and vocally silenced by a severe stroke, Janet's sparkling blue eyes still flashed with love and her gentle touch spoke volumes as her graduation from this life neared. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service and fortitude that will be cherished by all who were blessed to know her, most especially by those privileged to call her Mom, Grandma, or "Grandma the Great."
Janet was born on December 15, 1921 in Howell, Utah to Hans Andersen and Mynoa Richardson Andersen. She was the fifth of their 10 children and had three brothers and seven sisters.
When Janet was two years old her family moved from Howell to Virden, New Mexico where she spent the rest of her childhood and graduated from high school. After her father passed away in 1940 her family moved to Mesa, Arizona where she lived the remainder of her life.
In 1943 she met her future husband Oakley while he was a student at ASU in Tempe. While Oakley served as an officer in the Navy during World War II, Janet and he were married on June 2, 1944 in the Mesa, Arizona temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
During the ensuing family years Janet gave birth to 12 children; ten girls and two boys. She whole-heartedly embraced her role as a mother, and became a revered matriarch to her large family that grew to include 88 grandchildren and 212 great-grandchildren at latest counting.
Known for her deep, rich, alto voice, Janet made a life of making music with her immediate and extended family. Rare was the day or family activity when a familiar song wasn't rolling smoothly off her tongue, and many were the neighbors who kept time by the musical repertoire constantly emanating from her backyard clothesline, garden and fruit orchard. Her gift of music continues to bless the lives of her offspring in countless ways. A tireless worker,
Janet was famous for always having a project of some kind in progress, many of them overlapping, and her ability to keep every ball in the air as she juggled her numerous responsibilities and interests. She threw countless parties, tied innumerable quilts, bottled warehouses of produce, sewed closets of clothing, baked truckloads of bread, served faithfully in numerous church callings, and did it all while engaged heart and soul in her chosen twin professions of wife and mother.
Nothing came before family with Janet, and her devotion to, and loving care for, her family is her greatest legacy. Her maternal skills and talent were publicly recognized when she was named Arizona Mother of the Year in 1983, proudly representing her family and state at the New York City convention that year.
That devotion to family derived from her stalwart faith and dedication to her Lord and Savior through her lifelong membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served tirelessly in the Church, steadfastly supported her husband and children in numerous church callings and missionary assignments, and personally fulfilled several missions for the Church with Oakley during their "retirement" years, on one occasion nearly losing her life in a terrible auto accident while serving in England. But there was nothing that stood in the way of Janet's exercising her deeply held faith, and her service and example through the years stand as a perpetual beacon to family and friends. Service came as easily to Janet as breathing does to most, and the beneficiaries of her kindness are legion. Love radiated from Janet like light from the sun, naturally and to all compass points, without prejudice or preconception.
She never met a person she didn't like, and all were welcomed warmly into her circle, large as it was. The lingering warmth of her love and graciousness will remain vibrant long after the sun has set on her physical presence.
Janet was preceded in death by three of her daughters: Judianne, Linda, and Lana (Viehweg).
She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 70 years, Oakley, and their children Beverly Walker (LeeRen), Carol Soelberg (Glade), Joyce Clifton (Chuck), Sharon Snyder (Ray), Delwyn, Norene Bean (Matt), Stan, Judene Spiel (Bob), and Launette Shaw (Kelly).
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 1 at 11:00 am at the LDS Mesa East Stake Center located at 2228 East Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ 85213.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Meldrums Mortuary.
Janet's family wishes to express their sincere thanks to all who have so kindly supported them and Janet in thought, prayer and service.
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