Janette Ivie Putnam, born April 16, 1964, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Glen and Elva (Wilson) Ivie, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on May 8, 2024, in Tooele, Utah.
Janette was raised in Duchesne, Utah, a place she always considered home. As the ninth of ten children, she was proud of her large family and the bonds they shared. Her childhood in Strawberry and Duchesne was filled with the joys and challenges of being one of the youngest in a big family. Known affectionately as "Netter," she was well-loved and enjoyed teasing her siblings.
Janette's life was rich with experiences and connections. She spent time in Vernal, Utah, where she was active in 4-H and boasted about knowing the famous bull rider, Lane Frost. Her brief stay in Kingman, Arizona, with her sister Joann was another chapter in her adventurous life. Returning to Duchesne, she graduated high school in 1982. In 1984, Janette welcomed her daughter Trish into the world and soon moved to Tooele, Utah.
In Tooele, Janette worked at the local bowling alley, where she met Jack Griffith, a father figure who introduced her to bartending and waitressing at the Tooele Elks Lodge. It was there she met the love of her life, Dennis Putnam, and earned her second nickname, "Chickee." Janette made many lifelong friends at the Elks Lodge, where she enjoyed planning the kids' Christmas Party and Secret Santa shopping.
In December 2000, Janette and Dennis were blessed with their son, Nate. Janette was deeply involved in her children's activities, especially coaching Trish in softball. She was a passionate coach and an inspiration to many young athletes. Her love for sports extended to golf, where she enjoyed playing and teaching Nate. She continued this tradition with her grandchildren, becoming a beloved figure at the Tooele Oquirrh Golf Course.
Janette's caring nature was evident in how she looked after others, from caring for Jack Griffith in his final days to visiting sick friends. She was known for her sense of humor, love of cooking, baking, quilting, crafting, and her passion for rodeo life. Janette's family reunions at the family ranch in Strawberry were among her favorite times, filled with laughter and cherished memories.
Janette is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Dennis Putnam. She was the beloved mother to Trish (Logan) Williams and Nate (Verona) Putnam, and cherished stepmother to Gary Putnam and Kevin (Jamie) Putnam. Janette's seven grandchildren—Lennon, Wade, Harley, Haylee, Loren, Jaxon, and Tegan—and her great-grandson, Zayven, were her greatest joys. She is also survived by her siblings Ron (Pat) Ivie, Rex Ivie, Joyce (Garold) Larsen, Judy (Terri) Wolfe, Randy (Cherri) Ivie, Richard (Tammy) Ivie, and Roland (Laura) Ivie, along with her sister-in-law Linda Ivie and many nieces and nephews who loved her teasing nature.
Janette was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Joann (Dewain) Coil, her brother Robert Ivie, her in-laws Nord (Gayla) Putnam and Ruth (Don) Smith and daughter in-law Paula Putnam.
Visitation will be held at Tate Mortuary in Tooele, Utah, on May 13 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Another viewing will take place on Tuesday, May 14, from 10:30 am-11:45 am, with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 pm at the LDS Church located at 130 S. 300 E., Duchesne, Utah. Burial will be at the Strawberry Cemetery.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the countless nurses and doctors who cared for Janette over the past few years at Mountain West Hospital ICU, including nurse Jen Hansen and Misty Burns, Dr. Cameron Cooper, Nurse Hudson with Harmony Home Health & Hospice, and Nurse Lisa Hiller, who became family in moments and was with Janette in her final moments.
Janette's legacy of love, laughter, and care will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.