Janene Moyle Cooper, age 90, passed away in her home on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. She was the second daughter of Wendell T. and Lucille W. Moyle. She was born and raised in Alpine, Utah, a place she often described as filled with learning, fun, family, and cherished friendships. She graduated from American Fork High School and later attended Brigham Young University, where she met her husband and eternal companion, James A. Cooper.
Janene and Jim were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on March 22, 1954, and began their life together in Provo, Utah, eventually taking them to Oregon; Hickory, N.C.; and Cherokee, N.C. She spent the last year of her life in Simpsonville, S.C. These years were a joyful and busy time as Janene dedicated herself to her many church callings, including Primary president, teacher, and pianist, all while raising five children and actively supporting their school and athletic activities.
For 48 years, Jim and Janene worked side-by-side in the hospitality industry in Cherokee, N.C. owning and operating three hotel franchises and various other entrepreneurial ventures. In 1977, they welcomed their sixth child, Jonathan, through adoption.
Janene was an avid reader, often sharing books and articles with those she felt could benefit from them. She loved gardening, organizing, and ensuring her children embraced these values as well. Later in life, she discovered a passion for Korean dramas. Janene was also an accomplished athlete, excelling in track, basketball, tennis, and square dancing in her youth. She passed her love of sports and competitive spirit to her children and was always involved in their activities, her church, and her community, fully supporting every idea Jim dreamed up.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Janene’s relationship with her Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, guided her life. She often said, “When all is said and done, that relationship is all that truly matters.”
Janene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; and their beloved son, Jonathan. She is survived by her children, Debra MacCourtney (Tim), Susan Spees (John), Laurel Cooper (Dusty), James David Cooper, and Janene Jr. “Pooh” Lancaster (Todd). She is also survived by her three sisters, Meridee Smith, Kathleen Rasmussen, and Susanne Smith along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She leaves behind 14 adoring grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who were blessed to know her.
Janene’s legacy of faith, service, and love lives on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.
The family would like to thank her caregivers, Darlene Waldroup, Rahel Curth, and Elisa Mann.
The family was assisted by the Thomas McAfee Funeral Home in Simpsonville, S.C. and Warenski Funeral Home in American Fork, Utah.
Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1 at Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 N 900 E, American Fork, UT. The visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Alpine City Cemetery, Alpine, Utah.