Janet Lee Layton Hart
April 16, 1932 – September 29, 2026
OBITUARY
Janet Lee Layton Hart, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 29, 2026, in Lodi, California. Fittingly, she rejoined her beloved husband on what would have been their 75th wedding anniversary.
Janet was born on April 16, 1932, in Layton, Utah, to Bessie Fern Hyde and Ezra James Layton. At the age of four, she moved with her family to Oregon, where she attended grammar school, before returning to Utah to complete her education. As a youth, Janet excelled in math and English, and she developed a lifelong passion for sewing—once crafting a wool coat in high school that she proudly entered into a competition in Salt Lake City.
After graduating from Davis High School, Janet worked at Hill Air Force Base as a mechanic's assistant. Her time at the base gifted her a unique hands-on skill set, making her incredibly handy with tools and a talented fixer who could repair almost anything. She knew her way around a toolbox so well that if you asked her for a crescent wrench, you got exactly that—a crescent wrench, no questions asked.
It was also at the base that she met the love of her life, James Robert Hart. The couple married on September 29, 1951, in Layton, Utah, and shared 57 wonderful years of marriage before his passing.
Janet’s greatest joy was her family. She welcomed her firstborn son, Jeffery, in 1953, followed by her second son, Scott, a year and a half later in 1954. Her boys were the absolute center of her world.
A faithful and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Janet dedicated much of her life to service. She served in the genealogy department in Omaha, Nebraska, the Relief Society office in Salt Lake City, and held numerous other callings within her local wards.
Janet was an exceptionally talented seamstress who loved sewing for others. For years, she collaborated with Weber State University to sew custom uniforms for their cheerleading squad. In her later years, she cherished visits from her sister Pauline, loved spending time with her family and friends, and could often be found cheering on the San Francisco Giants with a bowl of ice cream and a pocket full of Hi-Chews.
Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Robert Hart; her parents, Bessie and Ezra; and her five siblings, Donna, Vance, Anna Rae, Pauline, and Glen.
She is survived and deeply missed by her sons, Jeffery L. Hart (Terrie) and Scott R. Hart (Jane); her six grandchildren and their spouses, Christy, Jackie, Nichole, Jared, Rachel, and Jill; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Bristol Hospice for their profound compassion and dedicated care during Janet’s final weeks.
A private family viewing and graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 7th, with interment to follow in Concord, California
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hart family.
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