Janet Nell Sanchez

Janet Nell Sanchez, (Uttley) – of Gaines, MI, passed away Tuesday May 20th, 2025 at the age of 81 surrounded by her loving family. The family will be having private funeral services on a later date. Please share your thoughts with the family on the Sharp Funeral Homes website at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.  

Janet was born in Hamilton, Ontario Canada, on May 7th, 1944, daughter of the Arnold Russell Uttley and Nellie Ryckman (Gallagher). Janet moved to Flint MI in the early 50’s with her family, her father and mother both worked for General Motors. She grew up in the Flint area and loved music, dancing and bowling from a young age. Janet also worked for General Motors, was a proud UAW 651 member and Miss AC. She received recognition for significant contribution to the development of air flow modulars systems by Japanese engineers partnering with General Motors. 

Janet met Joseph Blas Sanchez of Marlette, MI, and they married after a short courtship on June 29th, 1963, they would have celebrated 63 years together next month. Janet loved to tell the story of how they met at a builders’ show after Joe made a bet with a friend that he could get a date with her. Not only did he get a date with her, but she also canceled a date with another man to go out with Joe. On that date, Janet suggested that they go bowling, where she proceeded to throw strike after strike beating Joe in every game they played. Janet was also an avid golfer, was the secretary and treasurer on many leagues and even shot 2 hole-in-ones. She was an active member of the American Legion Aux Post 294 and the Eagles in Durand, MI.  

Janet was known for her kind open heart, being a great listener and accepted at least 5 different teenagers into her home that needed a safe place to stay. She was the mom that all her kid’s friends loved to talk to, and made everyone feel welcome in her home. Janet loved her family, they went all over the place camping, fishing and amusement parks were her favorites. Although kind, Janet had a feisty side and was not afraid to stand her ground. But if you were her friend, you had a true friend for life.  

Janet is survived by her husband of 62 years Joseph B. Sanchez, her sons, Tony Sanchez (Micki Utsler), Steven (Evgeniya) Sanchez, daughter Christina Sanchez-Kelly (Shannon Dixon); 5 granddaughters, Kristie (Jason) Delong, Paige (Jackson) Stanton, Natalie (Andrew) Futch, Darien Kelly and Taigen Kelly; 2 step-granddaughters, Alimarie+ Cuevas and Cera Cuevas, 7 great-grandchildren, Kyle (Heather) Parker, Maia Parker, Brady Delong, Owen Delong, Brodyn Stanton, Graham Stanton and Meadow Futch.  

Janet was proceeded in death by her parents, Arnold Uttley, Nellie Ryckman, stepfather Harry Ryckman, her brother Robert Uttley, sister-in-law Dorthy Uttley, grandson Todd Parker, and her best friend Sandy Chambers.