Obituary of Janet Okamura

  Janet Bowen Okamura, 79, of Middleton passed away peacefully of natural causes at home surrounded by her family on May 10, 2023.  Janet was born on June 8, 1943, in Tremonton, Utah to Lloyd and Venice Bowen. She was the second of four children. She moved to Middleton in third grade and graduated from Middleton High School in 1961.

  She married the love of her life, Paul Okamura, Jr., on January 25, 1964, and were later sealed in the Ogden Temple in 1974. They resided in Middleton where they owned and operated Middleton Farms until Paul retired in 2001. 

  First and foremost, Janet was a dedicated wife and mother. She raised five children and a foster son, all of whom she loved fiercely. She spent countless hours running kids to ball games and their many activities, in addition to helping on the farm. 

  She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings throughout the years. In 2002, Paul and Janet served in the London, Ontario, Canada Mission for 18 months.  Her home was a place filled with family, friendship, food, and fun. No one ever left hungry. Janet took in and cared for countless individuals, young and old alike. Everyone was welcomed with open arms and endless conversation.

  Janet spent a lot of time playing cards, fishing, riding ATVs, varmint hunting, and traveling. She particularly enjoyed oil painting, reading, volunteer work, genealogy, and a good yard sale. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their various activities, making each one feel like they were the greatest at whatever they did and was so proud of each of them. She was their greatest fan, loved them unconditionally and made each one feel like they were her favorite. Her grandchildren will always remember Grandma’s candy and cookie jars, her teaching them oil painting and how to make bread, the lemonade stands in her front yard, cousins’ sleepovers, and birthday dinners.

  Janet’s civic duty was a priority; from PTA President, Booster Club, and MADD to the Canyon County Republican Women, she enjoyed serving in many capacities.

  She is survived by her husband Paul Okamura, Jr.; sons Mike (Debra) Okamura, and Marty (Julie) Okamura; daughters Stacy (Craig) Bennett, Jill (Donnie) Blue, and Jan (Nate) Arrasmith, all of Middleton; 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Janet is also survived by her siblings Dee Bowen, Margaret Post, and Debbie McCoy.  She was preceded in death by her parents; still-born daughter, Naomi; foster son, Jon Standing Bear; and granddaughters Kylee Okamura and Morgan Arrasmith.

  The family would like to thank Lighthouse Hospice for their exceptional and loving care.

  A viewing will be held on Friday, May 19 from 5-8 PM at Flahiff Funeral Chapel in Caldwell.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 20 at 11 AM with a viewing prior at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Old Highway 30 in Caldwell