Jani Lynn Thomas

Jani Lynn Thomas (Formerly Jani Torgerson, née McKean) 63, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia

Jani Lynn Thomas passed away on February 13, 2025, in Bunker Hill, West Virginia, the place she lovingly called home in her final years, even though part of her heart would always remain in her lifelong home of Utah. Born on October 27, 1961, in Ogden, Utah, Jani charmed everyone from a young age with her warm smile, gentle spirit, and infectious laughter. Loved by all who knew her, she left an unforgettable impression on everyone she met.

Marrying young to Kent Torgerson, Jani embraced motherhood with passion and joy. Raising her own three children, while also becoming the surrogate mother to countless others throughout her lifetime, collecting her “kids” everywhere she went!

Though she and Kent eventually divorced, their bond remained strong, and he stayed a cherished friend throughout her life. Later, she remarried Scott Thomas and began a new chapter. With Scott, Jani poured her heart into creating a beautiful home and sanctuary, a space that became the welcoming haven to family and friends. They especially enjoyed the many, many hours of carefully designing, crafting, and maintaining their personal backyard paradise, a DIY wonder that was their pride and joy.

Jani also loved to be on the water, spending weeks at a time with her husband on their boat or jet skis at Lake Mead or Lake Powell or enjoying day trips to the nearby lakes with the whole family. One treasured tradition included an annual trip to Jackson Hole to camp, white water raft, watch for bears, and of course, take an updated Wild West-themed family photo.

“Laughter is the best medicine” was a mantra Jani lived by. With effortless charm and playful wit, she always managed to find the silver lining in every situation. She delighted in being mistaken for Heather Locklear—a playful tease that never failed to make her smile—and her family affectionately called her “Waldo,” a nickname from childhood that endured throughout her life. Her lighthearted spirit and boundless love were evident in every interaction.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jani served faithfully in many capacities, especially as a primary teacher. Her natural warmth and kindness drew young children to her, and she had a remarkable gift for showing them what it meant to be loved unconditionally. Her faith sustained her and filled her with the hope of being reunited with loved ones in the life to come.

Life also brought its share of bittersweet challenges. A severe accident altered her feet forever—a twist of fate that left her mourning the loss of her favorite heels—but it never dimmed the spark of wit and joy that shone in her eyes. Jani also weathered difficult goodbyes: she lost her father, John Jerrold McKean, to cancer; her beloved maternal grandmother, Eldona Smith; her dear husband, Scott Thomas, whose sudden heart attack left a gaping void; and soon after, her mother, Dana Sue “Susie” Morgan, and her stepfather, Kent Morgan. She also bid farewell too soon to her older brother, John Douglas “Doug” McKean, her cherished nephew, Connor Calderwood, and her stepbrothers, Scott Morgan and Matthew Morgan—each loss a profound sorrow in her long, full life.

Jani is survived by her children and grandchildren: Tiffany Oteo (née Torgerson), Oliver Oteo, and Vivien Oteo; Kodi Torgerson, Jessica Torgerson (née Lyman), Kennedy Torgerson, Amelie Torgerson, Jordan Torgerson, Sophia Torgerson, and Margaret “Maggie” Torgerson; Derek Torgerson; her stepdaughter Nicky Allman (née Thomas) and son Dusty Allman; and her “adopted” son Lance Sears. She also leaves behind her dear siblings—Debbie & Rocky Walker; Pixie & Kerry Calderwood; Jill & Val Westergard; Michelle McKean; and Jerry & Mandy McKean —and their families. Her closest friends, Kent Torgerson and Steve Madison, stood by her side through every twist and turn, along with countless others whose lives she brightened.

Jani often said, “People may not remember the things you said or did, but they will always remember the way you made them feel.” As we celebrate her life, that sentiment rings true. Jani was a one-of-a-kind soul who made everyone feel unconditionally loved, uplifting every situation with her radiant smile. And somewhere, we like to imagine she’s got her feet back and is breaking into her famous funky chicken dance, watching over us all with that mischievous twinkle in her eye.

A viewing will be on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint, 954 West 1100 North, North Salt Lake. Funeral services will be on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:00 am with a viewing beginning at 10:00 AM. Jani will be laid to rest following the services at Memorial Lakeview Mortuary & Cemetery, 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful.

Please share your memories with her family.