Janice C Martin (Jensen)

Born on August 23, 1931, in Lindon, Utah. Her parents, Dr. James Chadwick and Elva Culmer, fostered her early love and passion for horseback riding and music, and she excelled at both. She was a competitive barrel racer and was selected as Rodeo Royalty for the Lehi and Orem Rodeos for several years.

In addition to her equestrian skills, Janice was a gifted pianist and organist. Janice gave back immensely through her musical talents, playing the piano and organ for church services, junior high and high school events, and numerous singing groups over the decades. She also shared her gift by teaching piano to countless students.

Janice graduated from American Fork High School, where she served as a class officer and participated in the pep club, debate team, yearbook staff, Beethoven Club, and early morning LDS seminary. Pursuing her dream of becoming a professional musician, she enrolled at BYU as a music education major. Her love for her high school marching band led her to join the BYU Marching Band, where she played in the percussion section. It was in the BYU Marching Band that she met the love of her life, Gary Martin, the first-chair trumpet player. They were married June 5, 1950.

After graduating from BYU, Gary pursued a teaching career and, at the time of his passing, was the Principal of Lincoln Elementary School. Between 1950 and 1967, they welcomed five children: Gaylynn, Michelle, Chad, Val, and Christopher. Tragically, on the Friday night of December 1, 1967, after leaving a Granite High School basketball game, Gary and Janice were struck by a drunk driver. The accident claimed the lives of Gary and their unborn son, Christopher, and left Janice in critical condition.

Following her recovery, Janice eventually began dating and married Ralph Jensen. They married on February 14, 1969. Ralph brought two sons into the marriage. Blending between two families requires tremendous love and patience, and their home grew even more joyful when they adopted a newborn daughter, Nekole. Then, to their absolute amazement and profound joy—despite the physical toll of her accident, Janice became pregnant and gave birth to a son, Matthew. Nekole and Matt were raised like twins and brought immense happiness to the entire family.

Over the years, Ralph and Janice lived in several homes across the Salt Lake Valley. She finally found her forever home on 1638 Paulista Way in Sandy, where Janice lived for the remainder of her life. With her loving, talented, and kind nature, she endeared herself to many good friends in every neighborhood. Though Janice and Ralph divorced, her fierce independence and strong work ethic kept her active in the workforce well into her 80s. Furthermore, her compassionate heart eventually led her to oversee Ralph's care during his declining years until his passing.

To support her family after Gary’s death, they built a reception center. She successfully ran the business for decades. She commuted to Provo to work in telemarketing, taught piano lessons, created floral arrangements, and took on various jobs to provide for her family. Eventually, she met interior decorator D.J. Jones, who was impressed by her work, he hired Janice at Twiggs and More, where she worked with him for many years.

Janice was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all her life. She served in many callings within her wards and stakes over her 95 years. She loved genealogy and family history.

She touched the lives of many teenage girls in the early 1970s by teaching Cotillion, a course covering the finer graces of etiquette, manners, and style. Janice lived her own life by these exact standards. She always set a beautiful table and carried herself with unmatched grace. As evidence of her timeless elegance, even at 93, strangers would stop to compliment how beautifully put-together she was. She exemplified Christlike living and touched countless lives.

Preceded in Death By:

• Gary Martin (Husband): 1967

• Christopher Martin (Son): 1967

• Nekole Jensen (Daughter): 1975

• Gaylynn (Martin) Giolas (Daughter): 2021

Survivors:

• Michelle (Martin) Allred (Daughter) and Weston Allred (Son-in-law)

• Gary Chadwick "Chad" Martin (Son) and Sue Martin (Daughter-in-law)

• Val James Martin (Son) and Kathi Marie Martin (Daughter-in-law)

• James Mathew "Matt" Jensen (Son) and Tina Jensen (Daughter-in-law)

• Grandchildren:

o Marty & Stacy Giolas, Andrea & Trevor Thompson, Amanda & Tom Schriever (Gaylynn’s family)

o Tiffany Allred, Trent & Dani Allred (Michelle’s family)

o Chris Martin, Curt & Julie Martin, Marissa & Chris Coates (Chad’s family)

o Mindi & Scott Mitchell, Tayci & James Partridge, Kieli & Scott Klingensmith (Val’s family)

o Coby, Jayden, Aubrianna, Jarron, Jaxton, & Jeromy (Matt’s family)

• Great-Grandchildren:

o She is survived by 36 great-grandchildren.

Funeral and Viewing Information:

• Viewing: Friday, October 30, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

• Funeral Service: Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM

• Location: Her Ward LDS Building, 1433 Old Mission Road, Sandy, Utah 84093

• Burial: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary - 3401 S. Highland Dr. Millcreek, UT

Acknowledgments: A special thanks to the Canyon Hospice staff, as well as to her granddaughters Tiffany and Aubri, who helped Mom stay in her home, which was her greatest wish—and took such beautiful, dedicated care of her when her body began to give out. Thank you also to her many friends and amazing neighbors who were always there for her. You are deeply appreciated.