Janet Marla Sowards Hess, 74, passed away June 9, 2020, in Payson, Utah. She was born May 18, 1946, in Alamosa, Colorado, to Vern N Sowards and Helen Marie Carr Sowards.

Janet has lived in many places, but considered Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah her home.

Janet graduated from Sandia High School in Albuquerque, NM, in 1964, where she had many friends, was a cheerleader and enjoyed being involved in activities.

Janet married Butch Hess, February 21, 2014, in Albuquerque, NM.  They were later sealed in the Albuquerque NM Temple. They have enjoyed their years together, and Butch gave Janet the best care possible through those years.  He was by her side continuously.

Janet is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings, but most enjoyed being a teacher in Relief Society, Sunday School, and early morning seminary being her favorites.

Janet enjoyed serving others and many will remember her acts of service over the years.  She often did things for others that no one knew about, and that gave her great joy.  She was creative and enjoyed sandblasting, calligraphy, making cards, making candy and other goodies and decorating cakes.  She would often make cakes and cards for people so they would know that they were thought of on a special day.

Janet had five children: Teri Bench (Jason), Orem, UT; Julie Bowen, Idaho Falls, ID; Wendy Dinkins (Norm), Saratoga Springs, UT; Sandy Harward (Kent), Spanish Fork, UT; Preston Thwaits (currently serving in the US Army), El Paso, TX.

Janet is survived by her loving husband, Butch Hess; her five children, 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and by her sister, Vicki Rogers (Mike); her brother, Greg Sowards (Karen); as well as many nieces, nephews; and countless friends.  Janet was preceded in death by her father, Vern, and her mother, and best friend, Helen Sowards.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 19, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. The services will be live-streamed from her obituary page at www.walkermemorials.com .  A viewing will be held Thursday evening, June 18, 2020, from 6-8 p.m. also at Walker Funeral Home, Payson, as well as from 9:45-10:45 a.m. on Friday prior to the funeral.