Janis Leora (Rodeback) Bigelow

Janis Leora Bigelow passed away after a short illness, and returned to her heavenly home on August 16, 2024. Mom was born Janis Leora Rodeback on January 8, 1935 to Hannah Harrison and Noah Rodeback in Naples, Utah. She was one of 8 children and had 4 brothers and 3 sisters. She grew up weeding gardens, digging potatoes, raising chickens and helping with other activities on the family farm. She attended school in Naples and later Uintah High School in Vernal, Utah. Mom married Nyle C. Bigelow on September 12, 1952. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple just before Christmas on December 18,1964. They had 6 sons. Five were born to them, and one, Dennis Bia, came to them through the LDS church program for Native Americans. Dennis is of the Navajo nation. Mom supported her sons in their activities, from church callings to sports, scouts and 4-H clubs. In fact, she enjoyed the 4-H clubs as much as, or more than, the boys did. Mom worked in several jobs when she was young. Later on, she and Dad acquired their own business, "Bigelow Service", where she was the head bookkeeper and the chief repairer of "Amoco" uniforms. Years later, after the business was sold, she worked in the school system as an aide. And later, she was the first manager/director of the Western Heritage Museum at Western Park. A job she truly loved. She was very active in the local chapter of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers ("DUP") and served in several positions over the years. She also had a great interest in her family history and genealogy and has collected significant genealogical information during her life. Mom enjoyed being with her family, having gardens, a bit of travel to see new things and visit new places, and collecting a variety of rocks and other interesting things. She had a strong testimony of God, and Jesus Christ, and a firm faith in the church. She had many callings in the church, and supported sons on missions and her husband as Bishop and Stake President. Her personal church callings ranged from Cub Scouts to Primary President to Young Women's Teacher. Mom is survived by her sons Brent (Sherryl), Stuart (Amy), Gary (Teresa), Dean (Shamberly), Jeff (Kathie) and Dennis Bia; sister Gwen Smith, and brother Charles Rodeback (Jacque); also 20 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Nyle, daughter-in-law Diane, great-grandson Kel, sisters Norma and Madge, brothers Shirley, Clyde and Wilbur, father and mother and grandparents. The family would like to thank Holly Morton and the staff at Landmark, and Paige Stewart and the staff at Canyon Hospice, for their kind and compassionate care. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 12Noon at the Vernal 1st Ward LDS Chapel (475 West 100 South). A visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday 10:30-11:45am at the Church. Interment will be in the Vernal Memorial Park.