Janis was born on September 7, 1941, in Grand Junction, Colorado, the first child of James Perry Olsen and LaRue Tuttle Olsen. She spent her childhood between the family home in Grand Junction and summers at her father’s sheep and cattle ranch near Vail, Colorado. She was later joined by her sister, Valorie Dee, and her brother, James Perry Jr.

Janis attended Brigham Young University, where she studied education in preparation to become a teacher. During her time as a student, while traveling with her sister, she received a call to serve as a missionary and, without formal preparation, accepted an assignment to the Paris France Mission–an experience that shaped her faith and worldview for the rest of her life. She returned to BYU and graduated with a major in history and minors in English and French.

During her final semester at BYU, Janis met Morris Sterrett. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on September 3, 1966, in the Manti Utah Temple. Together they built a life centered on faith, service, learning, and adventure. Morris completed degrees in Asian Studies, Public Administration, and later a PhD in Criminal Justice from Claremont University. The couple made their home in Sandy and later Ogden, Utah, where Morris taught in the Criminal Justice Department at Weber State University, serving as Department Chair and Administrator for his final twelve years.

Janis and Morris raised four sons–Stephen, Brett, Blair, and Jonathan–all of whom became Eagle Scouts and served full�’time missions, supported by their mother’s steady encouragement and example. Janis and Morris later served several missions together, including presiding over the Japan Kobe Mission, serving as National Directors of Public Affairs in Tokyo, and completing an inner�’city mission in the Jackson Ward in Ogden. At home, Janis served faithfully as a Relief Society president and in many Young Women callings.

Janis will be remembered for her open�’door home, welcoming countless individuals from around the world–some for a few days, others for several years–each becoming part of the Sterrett extended family. She loved to play the piano and read. Janis was dedicated to studying her scriptures and would be at the kitchen table daily at 4:00 a.m. reading and reflecting. She was a devoted journal keeper, filling binders with entries written on every imaginable size and shape of paper. Her love of learning infused her home; she never missed an opportunity to edit her sons’ school papers with her mighty red pencil. It became a nightly ritual for Janis to read to the family around the dinner table, and it was understood by all that dinner was not finished until she was finished reading.

Janis often told her four boys, “If you will stay close to the Lord, He will take you on the most amazing adventures.” This proved true as she and Morris traveled the world–sometimes on missions, other times with close friends–always seeking to serve, learn, and experience life fully.

Janis is survived by her husband, Morris Sterrett; her sister, Valorie Olsen; her four sons, Stephen, Brett, Blair, and Jonathan; ten grandchildren; and three great�’grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Perry and LaRue Olsen, and her younger brother, James Perry Jr.

Viewings will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. MDT at Myers Mortuary, Ogden 845 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, Utah and on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. MDT at Kingston Ward 3254 Polk Ave., Ogden, Utah. A celebration of Janis’ life will follow at 11:00 a.m. MDT at Kingston Ward, where we will remember and honor the extraordinary life she led.

As we bid farewell, we encourage all who knew her to commemorate her life by sharing their memories and uploading photos to her memorial page at https://myers-mortuary.com/obituaries/janis-sterrett. May her life continue to inspire us all, and may her memory live in our hearts forever.

All services entrusted to Myers Mortuary in Ogden.