Norda Jeanne Dexter Covington

Our devoted mother, grandma, great-grandma, and friend, Norda Jeanne Dexter Covington, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her three daughters, Cori, Kristin, and Katie, on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Norda was born on December 21, 1945, in Port Hueneme, California, to Alfred Dexter Jr. and Laura Vance. Norda grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her younger brother, Niel.

She graduated from Highland High School in Salt Lake City. After graduation, she attended the University of Utah and enjoyed her time as a member of the Tri-Delt sorority. While attending college, she met the love of her life, L.D. They both knew from the moment they met that they were meant for each other. After a short period of dating, they were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 1, 1965.

Norda dedicated her life to serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many leadership capacities, but her most precious and sacred calling was serving alongside her sweetheart, President L.D. Covington, as the mission mother of the Brazil Curitiba Mission from 1989 to 1992. She became an instant mom to over 600 young men and women who still call her "Mom" to this day. Her remarkable example of love and compassion extended far beyond those mission years, touching the lives of everyone she encountered.

Norda was the most gracious hostess. She never turned away a mouth to feed or a person in need. She was a giver, an amazing baker, and a wonderful cook. She would never let anyone get away with having just one plate of food. Norda also had an amazing talent for quilting and sewing and loved serving in her community. She loved being with friends and was a light to all those around her.

Following the passing of her beloved husband, L.D., when she was just 54 years old, Norda’s life was forever changed. She poured herself into her church service, her family, and her friends. We are especially grateful for a cherished group of friends known as the Lemonade Ladies, who were also widows and chose to make lemonade out of life's lemons.

Norda found great joy in family history work, which filled her days with purpose and meaning as she looked forward to the day she would be reunited with her beloved L.D. She found thousands of family names and was always ready to share them with family, ward members, and friends.

Reflecting on the last 25 years of her life, she has done so much for others and given so much love, just waiting for the day she would be reunited with her sweetheart and hear those precious words once again, “I missed you, Nord.” Their sweet reunion is one she has longed for, and we find comfort and joy in knowing they are together again.

She is survived by her three daughters, Cori Franks, Kristin (Vaughn) Elkins, and Katie (Tom) Lamb; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.

Viewings will be held at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory YouTube page and on this obituary.