Cover photo for Janeil S Hicks's Obituary
1936 Janeil 2024

Janeil S Hicks

June 3, 1936 — May 19, 2024

Roosevelt, UT

Watch the Live-Stream of the Funeral HERE.

    With a life spanning almost 88 years, our mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend has left this world behind for far better things to come. Janeil Smith Hicks, age 87, passed away of natural causes on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Parkside Manor in Roosevelt, Utah. 
    Janeil was born to Ernan Hoffman Smith and Mary Ann Young on June 3, 1936 in Snowflake, Arizona. As a young child, Janeil and her family moved to various places in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. The family then settled in Roosevelt, Utah where Janeil soon graduated in 1954 from Union High. Here in Roosevelt, she met her adventurous husband, Joseph Junior Hicks. Their first date was a thrilling ride in Junior's private plane. 
    Junior and Janeil were married March 17, 1955, in the Salt Lake Temple. They made their home in Roosevelt and remained there while raising their three children, Ward, Sherlyn, and Janilee. Junior died on June 7, 2020.
    Janeil was most supportive of all of her children's talents and interests. Whether it was staying up all night sewing costumes or sitting in the rodeo stands rooting for her daughter on horseback, she was all in. Sometimes her encouragement turned into firm prodding to get her son to practice the piano! She also supported her husband's many passions and would accompany him on his numerous escapades.
    In addition to raising her family, Janeil had a passion and talent for horticulture. For more than 40 years she worked at High Valley Nursery and Allred's Yard and Garden Center in Roosevelt.  Although she had no formal degree, she was self-taught and became an expert in selling garden plants and flowers. Most often she would advise local customers on how to be successful in their gardening activities. Her interest in horticulture expanded into a new talent for creating beautiful floral and water features for many special events in the community including wedding receptions. She had a knack for creating the fantastic out of the mundane.
    Janeil, was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was committed to her religion. Whatever calling she was asked to do, she did it "religiously." She and her husband taught primary for many years and strived to make their lessons creative and intriguing for the class. Whether it be guest speakers dressed up in period attire or bringing in a home-made model of "Moses' Tabernacle in the Wilderness," she was determined to make Primary an engaging experience. 
    She was also involved in many aspects of the Scouting program. For several years, she organized and managed annual Scout Day Camps for the 11-year-olds in the Roosevelt Stake. She produced and directed Pinewood Derbies, Blue and Gold Banquets, award ceremonies and numerous other Scouting activities. In 2008 she received the distinguished Silver Beaver Award.
    She loved people and was an adventurous and social person. Most often she would be the last person out of the Church building, because she wanted to visit with as many people as possible before going home. 
    She loved, fudgesicles, popsicles, Creamies and chocolate-covered graham crackers and was an unbeatable wiz at the game of Chinese Checkers. 
    She truly had a heart of gold and was willing to give her time, talent and whatever she had (sometimes to a fault) to anyone who needed it. 
    Like all of us, she experienced her share of sunshine and storm. She was a complicated person whose burdens were often lifted by her appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. Her ability to find humor in difficult situations and move through the struggles of her life was remarkable. 
    We miss you mom, but we are cheering you on in the next phase of your journey. 
Janeil is survived by her children, Joseph Ward (Peggy) Hicks, Sherlyn (Cliff) Olsen and Janilee (Russell) Griffin, seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joseph Junior Hicks, her sister, Verleen Smith and her brothers, Ernan Young Smith, Marion Kay Smith and Henry Ray Smith.
    Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Roosevelt Stake Center, 447 East, Lagoon Street. Prior to the funeral there will be visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Stake Center. 
    Interment will be at Roosevelt Memorial Park. 
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Janeil S Hicks, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Viewing

Friday, May 24, 2024

9:30 - 10:45 am (Mountain time)

Roosevelt Stake Center (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

447 E Lagoon St, Roosevelt, UT 84066

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Funeral Service

Friday, May 24, 2024

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Mountain time)

Roosevelt Stake Center (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

447 E Lagoon St, Roosevelt, UT 84066

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Burial

Friday, May 24, 2024

Roosevelt Memorial Park

240 US-40, Roosevelt, UT 84066

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