June 15, 1937 – March 2016
In the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights, which she loved so much all year long, our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, Janice Reber Oyler passed away surrounded by her family. She was born June 15, 1937, in Ivins, Utah, to hard working stalwart pioneer parents, Ernest and Jetta Reber. She was the 5th child of 6 children born in her family. Janice was first married to Edwin V. Bennett, then later divorced. She then married Richard O. Oyler on April 10, 1965.
Janice is survived by her brother, Jack Reber, Sister, Sandra Miller, Son, Jeffery E. Bennett (Wendy), daughters, Judi Schofield (Rick), Nichole Braegger (Mark), Angie Fox, step-children, Richard Oyler, Marilyn Jolly, Teresa Halachis and Paul Oyler, 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Janice is preceded in death by her husband Richard Oyler, sisters, Kathleen Wilkins, Shirley Stratton and brother, Kendal Reber.
Janice will be deeply missed as her presence radiated laughter, sunshine and genuine love to all. A stranger was just a friend she had not made yet. Talking till the cows came home was something she dearly enjoyed…with pretty much anyone! Janice loved music and played the saxophone in the high school band, graduating with the class of “55” from Dixie High School. She played the piano for roadshows, primary and family enjoyment. Her Alto voice was always on beat and rich in meaning.
Growing up in Ivins was a girl’s dream. Hanging out with, “The Gang,” eating fresh melons, tomatoes, watching Hollywood movies being made in Snow Canyon, and cooking foil dinners in the wash were just a few of her prized memories. Hiking to the top of Ivins Red Mountain when she was 12 in gym shoes with a pop bottle filled with water was her all-time favorite memory to talk about. The world was a fresher place to live as she excelled in being a Tupperware manager where she earned everything ranging from a new car every 2 years, a mink stole, grandfather clock, vacations, home decorations, jewelry and a piano where all her children learned to play. She made friends for a life-time through her career as the “Tupperware Lady”.
Other than swinging on the front porch, visiting, planting flowers or digging in the vegetable garden, Janice loved going to the cabin on Cedar Mountain. Trapping squirrels, building fires, making s’mores and feeding the deer that came right up to the cabin gave her a great thrill and love of nature. Many hours of labor and love was put into that piece of heaven called, “The Oyler Retreat”.
Janice’s grandchildren and dogs were the breath of her life. She loved them with all her heart. Reading books, cooking pancakes and bacon, sewing blankets and singing silly songs were ways of expressing her love. She would sacrifice her needs to make sure others had what they needed. Her heart was always that of a giver.
You couldn’t think of America the beautiful without thinking of Janice. There was always a flag…or two, waving, patriotic music or yard decorations displayed. Janice loved and honored the veterans. She had a deep respect and appreciation of their sacrifices. They were all heroes in her eyes.
Over the past 3 years, Janice suffered from the dreaded disease of Alzheimer’s, forgetting many things that have to do with everyday life. One thing she never forgot and held dear to heart to the very end was her firm, unwavering testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ and her sincere appreciation of every kind deed and blessing received. Some of her last words and sentences were words of gratitude and thankfulness to her family and those who served her.
Janice was a beautiful, favored daughter of God, filled with Christ-like love for everyone! She exemplified and lived the principles she taught. Our posterity will be blessed because of our faithful mother, Janice.
We wish to thank the special caregivers who gave such tender loving care to our mother.
Funeral Services
- Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 1, 2016, at the Cedar City LDS 9th Ward Chapel (256 S. 900 West, Cedar City, Utah) with a viewing prior from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church.
- A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. at Southern Utah Mortuary.
- Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.
Online condolences can be sent to www.sumortuary.com