Janis Lee Oliver

Janis Lee Oliver passed away peacefully at home on September 28, 2025, due to heart complications, surrounded by family.

She was born at St. Anthony Hospital to Duane (Buck) Lish and Beth Eloise Allen. Her family moved to Tech Farm Road in Pocatello, Idaho, just 2 weeks after she was born. She had a joyful childhood with her loving parents and siblings Patricia, MaryLou, and Craig. She loved reading and especially loved to read biographies and autobiographies. Growing up, she enjoyed camping and traveling with her family and spent many summers with cousins at large family reunions. She loved to sing and was most often heard singing in harmony with her two sisters.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Janis attended the 30th Ward of the Pocatello Stake where she enjoyed participating in activities and had many friends. Janis was sealed to her parents and siblings in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1966. This was a very special experience for their entire family.

In 1972, graduation from Pocatello High School marked a milestone, where Janis sang with The Gate City Singers and cheered as a member of the pep club. While attending a dance with friends in Rexburg, Idaho, in March 1973, she met Dennis Oliver. After talking all night, and not dancing at all, they discovered they had a class together at Idaho State University. Dennis and Janis continued dating and were engaged to be married by September of that year. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on January 24, 1974.

Together, Janis and Dennis raised five children—Jeremy, Jason, Erin, Casey, and Todd—and built a loving home in Pocatello. Their family was a part of the Pocatello West Stake, attending the 41st and 29th wards. Janis served in many callings, including Young Women’s and Primary. She loved to attend the many athletic events of her children. In addition, she would often follow games in which Dennis was officiating, so she corrected him on calls he missed.

At Wilcox Elementary, work as a teacher’s aide preceded a return to Idaho State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in education. Janis loved learning and worked very hard, while still raising her 5 kids. After graduating, she returned to Wilcox and worked as a Title 1 teacher until her retirement in 2016. She enjoyed helping children learn and often tutored in her home as well.

Watching her children and grandchildren grow brought joy. She would often attend or watch virtually their many athletic events and was their biggest cheerleader.

Singing, scrapbooking, card-making, and spending time with others were cherished activities. Janis was a good friend to many and is remembered for her kindness and love.

Janis is survived by her husband Dennis; children Jeremy (Angie), Jason (Michelle), Erin (Shawn Petersen), Casey (Erika), and Todd (Samantha); brother Craig Lish (Lisa); sister Patricia Slayden; brother-in-law Delyn Halford; 17 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents Duane (Buck) and Beth Lish, brother Duane Jr., sister Marylou Halford, and brother-in-law Jack Slayden.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 6, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3444 Hawthorne Road, Pocatello, ID 83201.  Viewings will be from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Sunday, October 5 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID and at 10:00 am on Monday at the church.

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