Janice Duke Fisher, 85, of West Valley City passed away on October 22, 2024.

Janice was born on November 28, 1938 to Jim and Margie Duke in Salt Lake City, Utah.

On January 15, 1960, she married Elsworth Barr "Barry" Fisher II in the Salt Lake Temple. Barry and Janice went on to have three children: Wendy Simmons (Curt), David Barr Fisher (Cindy), and Kirk James Fisher (Jodie).

Janice managed the Cyprus Ice Rink for several years, helping young students learn to skate. She was elected to the West Valley City Council and served 16 years. She also served as Mayor pro tem for four years.

Janice held several civic positions over the years. In 1980, Janice was on West Valley City's "Save Our City" committee. She was also the first woman to serve on the West Valley City Planning and Zoning Commission. She was then elected to the West Valley City Council. During her tenure, the city made progress with the building of West Valley City Hall, the "E" Center, Hale Centre Theater, the WVC Fitness Center, Acord Ice Arena, Centennial Park, fire stations and two golf courses.

Janice was on the Salt Lake County Boundary Commission, Board of Trustees member for the Magna Mosquito Abatement District, member and former Chair of the Pioneer Valley Hospital Board of Trustees, and volunteer on the Days of '47 Parade Committee, as well as during the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics and Salt Lake Para-Olympics. In 1985 (the Wood anniversary of West Valley City), she founded the "West Valley Trees" Committee. This committee raised money to buy trees for the parks and other areas. Janice was recognized as West Valley City Woman of the Year in 1989.

Janice served as a Democratic member of the Utah House of Representatives from 2005 to 2015, representing West Valley City District 29 and District 30. During the 2014 General Session, she served on the House Government Operations Committee and the House Transportation Committee. In 2019, Janice was inducted into the Cyprus High School Hall of Fame. She fought for the underdog, passing legislation to strengthen laws that protect children in domestic violence situations, and advocated for police and fire fighters, as well as families. She was active in church, scouting, and PTA. Family was her world, and she was big on tradition.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Barry Fisher, parents Jim and Margie Duke, brother Doug Smith (Dorothy), sisters Margaret McQuaid (Bill), Jeanne Humphreys (Jay), and Lola Duke. She is survived by her children, nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to Legacy House of Taylorsville and Inspiration Home Health & Hospice.

Funeral services will begin at Noon on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the Hunter 14th Ward, 3450 South 6400 West in West Valley City. Viewings will be held Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Larkin Mortuary – Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South in Riverton as well as Saturday at the church prior to services beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at the Midvale City Cemetery, 471 6th Ave, Midvale, Utah.

Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. For a streaming link, and to share condolences with the family, please visit www.larkincares.com.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Oct. 25 to Oct. 29, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Janice Fisher

Sponsored by Larkin Mortuary - Riverton.

3 Entries

Brandon Hill

November 4, 2024

The first legislator I ever met was Janice Fisher and I met her at the end of her last term. I later learned that she had been serving the West Valley community since before I was born! She was a genuine public servant. Her kindness and devotion to West Valley City will never be forgotten at City Hall.

Jim & Dorethea Barron

November 2, 2024

To the Fisher family what an amazing mother as well a remarkable life. We feel so lucky to of spent time with Janice she was strong along with a very intelligent women. Thank you for sharing her.
May Gods Love & grace be with your family in this difficult time. Barron Family

Mike Gorrell

October 28, 2024

I loved Janice. We were together the night that West Valley City survived the disincorporation election and I took a picture of her for the Green Sheet. When I wrote a history of the city for its 10-year anniversary, Janice was the one member of the Civic Committee who supported my contention that the book should deal honestly with a mayor's resignation from office (we lost). I was working for The Tribune when she was in the legislature and we interacted on the Olympics. She was a straight shooter and had a good moral outlook on life. The world needs more Janice Fishers. I'm sure she was a great mom.

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