Janis battled Alzheimer’s disease for the past 9 years. It is one of the hardest things to experience and grieve as you watch the ones you love slowly lose the things that made them, them.
She is preceded in death by her parents Cleo and John Olson, father Dr. A. Clark Griffin, her brother Doug Griffin, and her grandsons Gage and Aiden Rheinhardt.
Janis is survived by her husband Gregg Davis, children Casey (Michelle) Davis, Dr. Jordan (Jamie) Davis, Adam (Tessa) Davis, Heidi (Neil) Rheinhardt, Noelle (Andrew) Ganem, her brothers Dr. Paul (Sylvia) Griffin, Dr. Brent (Pat) Griffin, and Dr. Robert (Janet) Griffin. She has 23 grandchildren.
Janis was born in Houston, Texas. She spent her early years there. She moved to Logan Utah with her mother when she was 12 years old. After a few short years, her mother was remarried to John Olson and they moved to Mink Creek, Idaho. With the new marriage, Janis gained 6 sisters; Mary, Karen, Nancy, Margaret, Janet and Emily. Although she had moved far from her brothers in Texas, Janis continued to love her brothers, and developed a special relationship with Pauls’ wife Sylvia who was a strong support for her during these years.
After graduating from Preston High School, her big claim to fame is that Janis went to same high school as Napoleon Dynamite. Janis attended Utah State University, where she met her husband Gregg Davis. They hit it off and have been married for 44 years. During this time, they had 5 children together. In addition, they were blessed with 2 great son-in laws and 3 amazing daughter in-laws and they share 23 grandkids.
Janis could do anything. She was smart, hardworking, and had so many talents. She loved to play music, sew, quilt, craft, and cook. There was always a seat for friends at her table. She was well known for her Sunday dinners and quickly became another mom to many friends of her children. Many memories were made and shared over her cooking.
Janis strongly desired her children to develop talents, know responsibility, and to learn to act for themselves. She taught them piano lessons, organized chores, and was always there as a listening ear. You couldn’t have asked for a better mother and friend.
Janis loved all people. She was so full of life and had the best sense of humor and smile. It is tough to have met her and not have a nice thing to say about her. She enjoyed serving and helping everyone around her. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served many callings in the church including Relief Society President, Young Women’s Organization, Primary, and the nursery. She played piano and the organ at Sunday worship meetings for many, many years. She loved her time serving with the young women and many became life long friends.
Janis worked for the Fowler school district for over 20 years. She started off as a cashier in the cafeteria to her children’s dismay, now Mom would always have her eye on them. She encouraged her kids to always be the best they could be and always improve themselves. She set the example by going back to school and obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. She later worked as the librarian for several years sharing her love of books and learning with the students. She eventually finished her time in the administration of food services. She loved to work until the disease made it too difficult to complete her task.
Janis was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. She retired from work and focused on being a grandmother until her memory played out.
A special thanks to our dad. You can’t find a better example of how to love your spouse. He stood by her side and provided the best care possible. It was repeatedly said by the hospice staff that they have not had a patient look this good after being in a bed that long. After raising 5 kids and having to deal with all the diaper changes and messes while dad was at work, Mom hung in there a little longer to make sure dad finally got to change his share. We have many nurses in the family and Gregg might be the best of them all.
