Janis Kay Gledhill

Janis Kay Gledhill, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, surrounded by her family in St. George, Utah. She was 73. Janis was born on August 15, 1952, in Bowie, Texas, to her parents, Betty Jean Hagger and Robert Ernest Hill. She was the second of four children. Due to her father’s work, the family moved several times throughout her childhood, living in Texas, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. One of those places was the small town of Escalante, Utah, where Janis attended high school during her sophomore and junior years.It was in Escalante that she met a handsome, charming singing cowboy, Dean Que Gledhill, who swept her off her feet. Soon after, her family moved again to Kemmerer, Wyoming, where she finished her senior year. Despite the distance, Janis and Dean remained devoted to each other, writing letters and visiting whenever they could. 

After graduating, Janis returned to Escalante and married Dean on June 7, 1970. Together they built a beautiful life and raised a loving family.Janis was a proud and devoted mother to her three children, Chrissie, Gary, and Rachelle. She raised them with love, care, and strong values, teaching them how to grow, work hard, and thrive. She cherished the years spent supporting them through school activities, high school sports, and family trips to the lake.Janis loved the outdoors and the life she built in the mountains. Some of her favorite memories were made camping with family, riding horses, and going hunting together. She treasured those times surrounded by nature and the people she loved most. 

She was also very involved in her community and found great joy in supporting local youth. Janis coached volleyball, cheer, and drill team, and she was involved with the rodeo riding club. She loved encouraging young people, teaching teamwork, and cheering them on as they grew and succeeded.Later in life, one of Janis’s greatest joys was becoming a grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and loved spending time teaching them how to sew and bake, playing board games, and watching movies together. She created special bonds with each of them and was always fiercely protective and supportive of her family.Janis loved sunshine, beach vibes, and spending time tanning with her beautiful blonde hair and a little hint of sass in her voice. She brought warmth, laughter, and strength to the people around her and was never afraid to stand up for the people she loved.She shared a deep love with her husband Dean until his passing. They spent their years together singing, dancing, and laughing. Now they are reunited again. 

Janis is survived by her children: Chrissie (David) Owen, Gary (Jodi) Gledhill, and Rachelle Gledhill; her beloved grandchildren Faliesha, Quentin, Myrranda, Hadli, Tanner, Tiffanie, Bode, Kameron, Alyvia, Ashlynn, and Brylee; as well as her great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Que Gledhill; her parents, Robert Ernest Hill and Betty Jean Hagger; and her brothers, Bruce Hill and Lynn Hill.Janis will be remembered for her love of family, her strength, her warmth, and the joy she brought into the lives of those who knew her.

Graveside services will be held at Escalante Cemetery at 2pm on Saturday, March 14th, 2026. A Celebration of Life will follow later that evening at the Historic Escalante Show House. Friends are welcome and encouraged to share stories, music, and good memories. The family asks that attire is semi-casual and preferably no black.