Janet Lucille (Maxwell) Soper, age 72, of Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by her family in her final days, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026.
Janet was born on January 29, 1954, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Bob and Lucille (Hall) Maxwell, who preceded her in death.
A remarkable student and gifted musician, Janet graduated valedictorian of her class in 1972 from Putnam City West High School. She went on to Oklahoma City University, graduating magna cum laude in 1976 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumental Music Education, excelling on the bass clarinet, alto saxophone, and piano. She later pursued postgraduate studies in accounting and mathematics, earning acceptance into a national mathematics organization in recognition of her talent and analytical skill.
In 1978, Janet began her professional career as an auditor for the Internal Revenue Service in Lawton, Oklahoma, where she played a key role in the investigation and conviction of a notorious preparer of fraudulent tax returns, showing courage and integrity in the face of intimidation. It was at the IRS that she met Bob Soper, a Revenue Agent. Their romance was a whirlwind: first date March 23, 1979, proposal April 22, 1979, and marriage May 19, 1979. Together they shared 47 loving years.
From 1980 to 1990, Janet devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mother for her two sons. She was deeply engaged in their lives, the local school, and Scouting. She served as treasurer of the elementary school PTA, chaperoned school trips, was a Cub Scout Den Mother for Tiger Cubs and Webelos, and served on the Boy Scout Troop Committee, participating in campouts and jamborees.
In 1990, Janet returned to government service at Arizona State University, starting as an Office Automation Specialist at the Publication Assistance Center, College of Public Programs. She advanced through the ranks and served as Supervisor from 2000 to 2006, processing over 6,800 projects, including the editing and graphic design for 40 books. Following a reassignment, she worked as a Technology Support Analyst Associate at the Social Sciences Computing Center, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences from 2006 to 2009, when she retired.
Even in retirement, Janet’s dedication to education and family continued. She lovingly cared for her granddaughters while their parents worked, and she served as a teacher’s assistant for four years, helping fifth- and sixth-grade students improve their mathematics skills. She also assisted the community through the English Language Learner Program, sharing her knowledge and support to help others succeed.
Janet was an active and devoted member of the United Methodist Church in both Oklahoma and Arizona. She was involved in the Methodist Youth Fellowship, United Methodist Women,
Second Grade Sunday School, Junior High confirmation classes, and served as Chairperson for the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. Music was her lifelong passion: she sang in multiple church choirs and performed numerous duets with her husband, bringing joy to all who heard her.
While Janet was highly intelligent and accomplished, her greatest traits were her unconditional love and acceptance of her children and granddaughters. She provided consistency, and structure, while being empathetic and encouraging, shaping her family into kind, caring individuals. While she celebrated their achievements, her focus was always on their emotional well-being, independence, and happiness.
Janet is survived by her beloved husband, Bob Soper; her sons, Rob Soper and Tom Soper; her daughter-in-law, Christina (Jaramillo) Soper; and her cherished grandchildren, Camdyn Soper and Aubrey Soper, all of Mesa, Arizona. She is also survived by her siblings: Anna Lou (Maxwell) Taney of Belton, Missouri; Bob Maxwell of Houston, Texas; and Ron Maxwell of Suwanee, Georgia.
Janet will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, as well as a woman of remarkable intelligence, integrity, and quiet strength. Her love of learning, music, family, and faith, and her unwavering commitment to doing what was right, left a lasting legacy in the lives of all who knew her.
Services will be 10:00 am on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Fellowship Square, 6945 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ. Located on the second floor of building five (the main entry building). Friends and family are welcome to attend a celebration dinner at the home of her son Tom, please contact for details.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in honor of Janet to The Dementia Hub by Oakwood Creative Care at https://www.oakwoodcreativecare.org/donate/ who have provided support to our family during this journey.
Celebrating 75 years of serving our community