Janetta Smith Wells, age 72, of Santaquin, Utah, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully with her husband next to her on July 6, 2026. Born on May 14, 1954, in Provo, Utah, to Kermit and Dixie Smith, she lived a life filled with love, faith, service, and devotion to her family and her Savior Jesus Christ.
Janetta married the love of her life, Thomas Reid "Tom" Wells, on May 6, 1977, in the Manti Utah Temple. Together they built an enriching life centered on faith and family.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University, studying Family Economics with a focus on Clothing and Textiles.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker whose life exemplified unwavering faith, steadfast dedication, and enduring to the end.
She was a teacher to her core and in her latter years loved substituting in the Payson elementary schools. Her students loved her, especially when she sang to them. They were always excited to see Mrs. Wells as their substitute teacher.
She was known for her homemade bread, sewing, gardening, and canning. She found great joy serving as a temple organist, combining her love of music with her devotion to the Lord. She also enjoyed doing puzzles with her family, playing card and board games, and all things musical. Her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on the many people that she interacted with.
She cherished time with her family, and above all, she treasured her twelve children and loved being a mother. One of her greatest joys was sitting on the front porch, watching her children and grandchildren play.
Janetta was deeply active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings throughout her life. Her faith was the foundation of everything she did. She was a loving and intentional mother who raised her children not only physically but spiritually as well.
She is survived by her husband, Tom Wells; her children and their spouses: Joseph (Janna) Wells, Jonathan (Aubrey) Wells, Ann-Marie (Logan) Curtis, Tommy (Kiley) Wells, Karen (Ryan) Edwards, Beth (Rawlin) Anderson, Richard (Rachel) Wells, Rebekah (Brane) Vrajich, David (Kassie) Wells, Crystal (Jace) Gwin, Melissa (Keaton) Perkins, and Charles Wells; 50 grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Denisa Myrick, Brenda Mullen, Kathleen Fox, Diane Barr, James Smith, Stephen Smith, and Mary-Margaret Scott.
Janetta was preceded in death by her parents, Kermit H. Smith and Dixie LaRue Smith.
She leaves behind an astounding and admirable legacy of faith, love, and service. Her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on the many people that she interacted with. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her children, grandchildren, and future generations. We KNOW she is just as busy loving and serving on the other side of the veil.
We love you, Mom.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 548 South 400 East in Santaquin, Utah. Her viewing will be prior from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. There will also be viewing on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Interment will be in Santaquin City Cemetery, 100 East 300 South, Santaquin, Utah.
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