Janet Margetts Nakken, age 90, of Cedar City, Utah, passed away on March 19, 2026 surrounded and supported by her loving family. Janet was born on February 19, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Eugene Milton Margetts and Clyta Rosetta Burdick Margetts. From the age of two she was raised by her devoted mother and her beloved grandmother, “Momma B.” Her father passed away when she was ten years old. The strength, sacrifice, and love shown by her mother and grandmother shaped her deeply.
Janet and her older brother, Richard, were blessed by the influence of extended family, and these early experiences taught her the importance of family unity and living the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Even as a young girl, Janet radiated goodness. She always had a believing heart and lived the gospel quietly and consistently. People were naturally drawn to her gentle spirit and radiant smile. She possessed many gifts—charity, kindness, and an unwavering ability to put others first. She never spoke ill of anyone, and because of her compassionate nature, others trusted her instantly with their feelings and burdens.
Janet attended West High School in Salt Lake City where as a sophomore she met her future husband, Herb Nakken. They later attended the University of Utah together and were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 8, 1956. After Herb’s graduation, they moved to North Carolina with the Marine Corps, where their first son, David, was born. They later returned to Salt Lake City where their children Bruce, Suzanne, and Robert were born.
In 1969, an opportunity arose to purchase the Ford dealership in Cedar City, Utah, and the Nakkens made Cedar City their home. There, they welcomed two more children, Jennifer and Brian. Janet quickly began serving in many church callings, including Relief Society president and Young Women’s president, as well as many civic and charitable organizations such as the PTA, where she served as president. She especially cherished her six years serving in Lambda Delta Sigma as an area advisor, where she formed some of her closest lifelong friendships.
The Savior and her family were always at the center of Janet’s life. After their children were grown, she and Herb retired to New Harmony, Utah, where they served together as
ordinance workers in the St. George Temple—an experience they treasured. Herb had developed a progressive lung disease that required constant care for many years. With unwavering devotion, Janet lovingly cared for him throughout his 16-year illness until his passing on August 7, 2005, just before their 50th wedding anniversary.
On February 16, 2007, Janet married Terry Alger of Cedar City, Utah, and together they served a mission at the Salt Lake Temple Visitors’ Center. Terry was kind and helpful to Janet. After 11 years of marriage, he passed away on July 5, 2018.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Herb Nakken, her brother Richard Margetts, and her daughter Suzanne’s husband, Jeffrey Whetman. She is survived by her six children: David (Stephanie Smith) Nakken, Bruce (DeAnn Green) Nakken, Suzanne (Stanford) Whetman Graham, Robert (Sydney Beere) Nakken, Jennifer (Chip) Childs, and Brian (Cassie Henrie) Nakken, as well as her 26 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, who were her joy. Janet’s influence will be felt for generations as her example of kindness and faith continues to shape our lives. She was the heart of our family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Janet, especially Gayle Steed and Shirley Darger, who, for 8 years, treated her like family.
Funeral services will be held at the Mesa Hills Ward Chapel at 1925 West 320 South, Cedar City, Utah at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Friends and family may visit on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the same Mesa Hills Chapel location, and again the following morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place in the New Harmony Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Cedar Valley Funeral & Cremation.