Janet L. Murillo

Janet Lea Murillo, age 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 15, 2025. A celebration of life event will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 1-4 p.m. at the Polk County West Side Senior Center, 134 6th St., West Des Moines, IA 50265. Burial will be at Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Janet was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on November 20, 1951, to Charles (Corky) and Eunice May (Shomshor) Jutting. She grew up in Iowa Falls and graduated from Iowa Falls High School. Janet went on to attend Ellsworth Community College and later earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Iowa State University. She completed her education with a master’s degree in education from Viterbo University.

Janet’s career in education spanned many years. She served as a K-12 substitute teacher in the Des Moines area, working with Des Moines Public Schools and Dowling Catholic High School. Her passion for teaching led her to a full-time position with Des Moines Public Schools, where she taught art at Moulton Elementary, Future Pathways, and Hoover High School. Janet retired in 2015 after inspiring countless students to embrace their creativity and love for art. Janet was an avid supporter of the arts and cherished sharing her love for art with the young people she taught. She loved painting, drawing, ceramics, and she had a special appreciation for Native American art and culture. Her students participated in numerous art shows, and Janet herself exhibited her art as well. In her personal life, she enjoyed Midwest vacations with her family, country music and dancing, gardening, and spending time with her beloved late chihuahuas Gizmo, Half Pint, Bandit, Chili, Scooby, Bambi, Chewy, Queen, and Bruiser.

Janet is survived by her husband of 30 years, John Murillo; their chihuahua, Princess; sister, Sherilyn Everman; and her brother, Curtis Jutting. She is also survived by her children, Michaelle (Jeremy) Boetger, Rob Boyd, Matt (Becca) Boyd, and stepchildren Daniel (Domonique) Murillo, Michael (Kristen) Murillo, Patricia (John) Christiansen, Holli (Joey) Kimsey, and Shelli (Andrew) Wilson. Janet’s legacy also lives on through her many grandchildren, including Krissy (James) Peterson, Alexis (Corey Allen) Minson, Logan (Alex Bryant) Boyd, Madison (Jake) Mullenbach, Olivia (Adam) Prust, Paige, Jake, Quinten, Stella, Lauren, Leia, Mira, Nina, Isaac, Savannah, Bailey, Allison, Landin, and Logan. Janet was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Emily, Payton, Bayne, Juniper, Myla, Mia, and Lainey. She was preceded in death by her parents and her infant daughter, Christina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family, who will establish a memorial fund at a later date.