BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

GRETCHEN LOUISE COVINGTON

19 September, 1998

Prepared and Written by:

Husband

Junius Blaine Covington, Sr.

4211 Annapolis Drive

West Valley City, Utah 84120

(801) 968-7703

19 September 1998

BIOGRAPHY

GRETCHEN LOUISE (COUSINS) COVINGTON

Her Mother	Her Husband	Her Father

Gretchen Louise (SCHWARTZ) COUSINS	Junius Blaine COVINGTON, Senior	Frank Allison COUSINS

BIOGRAPHY 19 September 1998

Gretchen Louise (COUSINS) COVINGTON

Gretchen was born on 24 November 1923, - in Omaha, Lincoln County, Nebraska, to Frank Allison COUSINS and Gretchen Louise (SCHWARTZ/SCHWARZ) COUSINS. She was deprived of having a mother see her grow up. Her Mother died immediately following her birth. She was not deprived of family loving care because she had a dad and two older sisters see to her needs and also a loving and caring Aunt" Bill" SCHWARTZ and her Grandparents, all of who devoted their times to her youthful years. There were four girls in Gretchen's family - all older than she; a baby girl who died at birth, Rita Louise and Doris Mae, were the other three. Rita Louise died in childbirth and/or complications of pregnancy at age 19. Doris Mae married Ronald M. (Bud) Schroeder and resides in Napa, California.

Gretchen was married twice. Her first husband, Theodore SCHWARZ she met in San Diego and they were married 16 August 1941 in Yuma, Arizona. They were divorced 21 September 1946 in Carson City, Nevada. No children.

She married husband, Junius Blaine COVINGTON, on 21 September 1946, in Carson City, Nevada. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1996. This marriage was solemnized on 4 November 1970 in the LDS Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah.

Four children were born of her second marriage; Judy Elizabeth who was born on 27 April 1948 in Helena, Montana; Kathleen Louise was born at the Tokyo Army General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan during the occupation of Japan by Allied Forces following World War Two; Junius Blaine Jr. joined the family at the U.S. Naval Hospital, U. S. Naval Training Center, Bainbridge/Port Deposit, Maryland; and Robert Allison came into the World on 9 June 1958, at the U. S. Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland. Kathleen was born on 15 March 1950 and Junius Blaine on 15 September 1954.

Her father, Frank, a Barber by profession, had his shop in Omaha, Nebraska, at the time of her mother's death and for a time continued to work there and take care of his family. As the years passed, he went to work for the railroad, as a barber, on their Pullman Lines, traveling extensively and frequently making it necessary for his children to live with her grandparents, the SCHWARTZ'S. Her Grandfather was employed out of Omaha on the Chicago-Northwestern Railroad as an engineer. Her grandmother, a woman of talents, operated her own millenary shop, which prompted Gretchen to become talented in fancy needlework as she became older. Her Grandmother COUSINS apparently had little association, she being a widow for many years before Gretchen was born and living in a different area of Nebraska kept them apart.

While living in Omaha, she attended the Mammoth Elementary School. Changes were necessary in 1931 when her Grandfather retired from the railroad. This was a time of cutbacks and unemployment that reached her whole family, especially her Dad and Grandfather. The Depression created early retirements and with her father being

19 September 1998

BIOGRAPHY - Gretchen Louise (COUSINS) COVINGTON

quite young was let go when the railroad abolished their special Pullman service. To make ends meet the family moved to Casper, Wyoming, living with her Aunt Bill, Uncle George and son, Joe SCHWARTZ. Gretchen was to remain with her grandparents while her dad moved on to California to find employment. In Casper, she attended the Park Elementary School for several years before joining her Father and Sister, Doris, in Oakland, California.

Her father, Frank Cousins, had not found employment in California but had selected Oakland as the place to establish a business and home. He opened his own Barbershop, which had adjoining living space - a business he continued to operate for many years. At age 12, Gretchen joined Frank and Doris in Oakland. While living in Oakland, she attended Hawthorne Elementary School and the Hamilton Junior High. Outside school hours she and her sister, Doris, were involved In, baby sitting and helping raise their sister, Rita's, son Lee Allison MURRELL, who had lost his mother before he was one year old.

1938 found Gretchen on the move again. Her grandparents, the SCHWARTZS, had moved from Casper, Wyoming to San Diego, California. Their move prompted by the cold weather of Wyoming and her's by necessity to help them in their old age and perhaps other personal reasons. While in San Diego she attended Roosevelt Junior High School. She received her promotion from Junior High School on 7 June 1939 and went on to attend San Diego High School for the next 2-1/2 years. She did not finish high school because of Thyroid illness in 1941. "The big joy of-my life came when I was selected to be on the San Diego High School Drill Team. Those were choice days. I made many new friends and of course, we got to travel and compete against drill teams at other schools. In fact, we were the first drill team, in California, to dance on the field. We had to make our own uniforms. Not knowing how to sew made it a challenge for me, but I did it. What excitement, and what memories". "Life was hard back then and to get the things I needed and wanted for school I had to work. I was employed, after school, cleaning homes for people. I worked every night, after school and on Saturday for a big $3.00 for the whole week. My work included cleaning the house, make supper and then I got to go home after the dishes. It was good for me and I learned many things including what it was to have to work". Graduation from high school was a dream cut short because of her thyroid problem and subsequent marriage to her first husband, which marriage ended after five years. During this time, she worked at various jobs including that as an assistant butcher at the Piggly Wiggley Grocery Store in San Diego. This covered the ending of World War Two in 1945.

She met Blaine Covington in June 1946 in San Diego, California, and they were married in September of that year following her divorce. Her new husband was a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy. This turned out to be a trying time to be married to a sailor, who was always on the move. In the first 13 years of their marriage, they moved 18 times traveling across the width of the United States several times. Spent eight years living on the East Coast - i.e. Boston, Massachusetts; Norfolk, Virginia; Aberdeen, Maryland; Port Deposit (Bainbridge NTC), Maryland

19 September 1998

BIOGRAPHY - Gretchen Louise (COUSINS) COVINGTON

and last Falls Church, Virginia. The last was near the Pentagon Building near Washington, D.C. while Blaine worked in the Public Information Office, Department of Defense, prior to his retirement in 1960.

Gretchen loved to travel and all of the above moves, including the move to Tokyo, Japan, was a thrilling experience for her. She was never one to complain of the hardships that came with each move. She would often do without to see that her family had what was needed. She often went to work at nights to keep the family out of debt.

With her winning smile and friendly way with people, it was not difficult to find employment on a temporary basis as a waitress and/or cashier and the small earnings was always welcome. Working on this basis she helped her husband devote his whole time to the Navy, and gave her a little freedom from raising a family. She would normally go to work just as he was finishing the day and occasionally their paths would cross. Not an ideal way to live but it worked and they survived.

Following the family's return to Salt Lake City, Utah, where a permanent Home was established in 1960 at 4211 Annapolis Drive, West Valley City, Utah, she continued to work filling in money gaps. She worked for the Marriott's "Hot Shop" on 4th South and Main as a waitress and cashier. Was employed for a time with Johnson-Anderson Mortgage Company in the Accounting Department and with her husband in the Agency owned by the same company. In 1970, she went to work full time for Sperry-Univac Corporation (Now UNISYS) as a payroll accountant. Retiring from that company in 1985.

While living in Yokosuka, Japan, in 1950, she was cited by the U.S. Commander Fleet Activities, as a member of the 'Grey Ladies", for her service to the wounded coming from Korea. Her stay in Japan was cut short by the war, as was her travel around that country. She had hoped to return for a more friendly visit but such never materialized.

Gretchen became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, being baptized on 2 May 1956 and confirmed a member of that church on 6 May 1956. Over the next 42 years of her life she served in many position of leadership; Teacher, Primary Presidency, Relief Society Presidency, Stake and Ward Cub Scouting. She served in the Cub Scouting Districts Round Tables as well as training and monthly meetings. Was PTA President of the Academy Park Elementary School on two different occasions and as a member of the PTA for many years. Highlights of her life were her years in scouting and her five years as an Ordinance Worker in the Jordan River Temple, South Jordan, Utah.

The same year she joined the LDS Church, she became a leader in the Girl Scouts of America serving in that program wherever she lived and where her two girls could participate for the next 10 years.

19 September 1998

BIOGRAPHY - Gretchen Louise (COUSINS) COVINGTON

When she and her family came to Utah in 1960, her primary concern was for her children. She got the girls involved in church and their girl scouting. The boys were not old enough for scouting but were immediately placed in the church records. She immediately was given a job in the Cub Scouting Program, Kearns 13th Ward, Kearns, Salt Lake County, Utah, as a Den Mother. This involved 6-8 boys in the age group over eight but not yet eleven years of age. Since she was somewhat acquainted with scouting procedures it was an easy job changing from girls to boys. Over the next 20 years, Gretchen served in every cub-scouting program in the Ward, Stake and Scouting District that was open for women. On numerous occasions, she served on committees for Council activities, such as training and the annual Scout-0- Rama. In addition to her own activities, she supported her husband in all of his Boy Scouting Activities. She became as well training in the cub-scouting program as any woman who has or ever will become involved in the young boys activities. For her dedication to Community, young people and especially to young boys, she was a recipient of the highest district award, the Beehive Award, and the highest council award, the Silver Beaver and many special "thank you" awards from other sources. Her "Silver Beaver" award was issued as a "Silver Fawn" and she was one of the first 13 women to be so honored in the Great Salt Lake Council. Like all "good" scouters you don't die, you wear out and 25 years of scouting was enough. She loved every minute of it and every girl or boys she associated with in these programs. Through their mother's efforts both of her boys, "Bud and "Robert", received their Eagle Scout Awards and have gone on to lead other boys in the program. Her daughters "Judy' has spent most of her adult life in the boy scouting program to where her two boys "Justin" and "Todd" are know Eagle Scouts, while her daughter "Kathy", not having any boys, has devoted her life to teaching children in the Primary, and Young Women's programs of the church, all following in their Mother's footsteps.

Gretchen never could get her sewing machines to go, except for minor repairs and could not be termed a seamstress. She was a professional though and admired by all for her needlework in crocheting, knitting and other fine work. She seldom set down without working on some of these items. Over the years, she was able to make large Afgans for all of her grandchildren as well as special quilts when they were born. For each she made special sets of kitchen towels and pillowcases. One Christmas she knitted 15 different outfits for special dolls for the girls. She was gifted in this area, having been raised by her Grandmother SCHWARTZ who was talented along these lines also.

She had a knack for artwork as well, but did not develop it until late in life. She evidently was born with this talent but lacked confidence or money to pursue this field. Perhaps her busy life in other fields kept her tied down. In the early 1980's, she was confined to home most of the time and at last could have a try at being an artist. She, with the help of a loving friend and neighbor, Jan Covert, took up painting in watercolors. She or they drew and painted over 50 pictures or paintings, as they should be called. These she did with help from Jan - most were framed and 19 given, one to each member of her family and then to friends and extended family members. This talent came to life but did not develop to her potential before her death in 1998. She left a memory for each - Gretchen painted this.

She was the proud Grandmother of 11, plus an un-adopted-boy, the Great Grandmother of three at the time of

September 1998

BIOGRAPHY - Gretchen Louise (COUSINS) COVINGTON

her death - a new one has just arrived at this writing, making number four. Over the years, she was to spend many hours with these children, teaching and cheering them on. Many of their activities she did not attend, always apologizing for not being with them in those times when they were in need of a good cheerleader in heart and spirit she was always in attendance.

The grandchildren are listed in order of birth and the great under their mothers:

Parents

1. Shannon Kay (WRIGHT) SOUTHWICK Kathleen and James Edward

Spouse - Christopher Glenn WRIGHT

Child - Haley Kathleen

2. Jill Marie (KESKEY STEPHENSON Judy and David Lee

Spouse - Joseph Andrew KESKEY

Child - (1) Regan Elizabeth

(2) Lauren Marie

3. Justin David KESKEY Judy and David Lee

Spouse - Single KESKEY

4. Buffy Marie WRIGHT Kathleen and James Edward

Died at-birth and is buried in Provo, Utah WRIGHT

5- Misty Ann (WRIGHT) PHILBRICK Kathleen and James Edward

Spouse - Shane Robert WRIGHT

Child - McKay la Ann

6. Ammie Jennifer (COVINGTON) FRANCHOW Robert and Julie Ann

Spouse - Justin Adam COVINGTON

No children

7- Marcie Ann COVINGTON Robert and Julie Ann

Spouse - Single COVINGTON

8. Candice Brittany COVINGTON Robert and Julie Ann

Spouse - Single COVINGTON

9. Cathrine Paige COVINGTON Junius (Bud) and Alyson

Spouse - Single COVINGTON

10. Todd David KESKEY Judy and David Lee

Spouse - Single KESKEY

11. Adam Jeffrey COVINGTON Junius (Bud) and Alyson

Spouse - single COVINGTON

12. Trevor Stephen HANSEN Michael Tamyra (NIELSON

Spouse - single HANSEN) COVINGTON

Divorces of Kathleen and Bud disturbed her to no end. Finally, they have settled down with Kathleen being married to Morris "O" HAGGERTY and Bud to Michael Tamyra (NIELSON-HANSEN), both spouses of whom their mother is well pleased

19 September 1998

BIOGRAPHY - Gretchen Louise (COUSINS) COVINGTON

Gretchen's life was plagued with illness. Thyroid surgery at age 18, which kept her on medicine for most of her life. Eye and feet surgery in the 1970's. Cancer of female organs in the early 1980's with diabetes being discovered at this time, followed in 1990's by breast cancer requiring surgery and the removal of one breast, cataract surgery on both eyes and then fibrosis of the lungs, requiring oxygen. She battled all these problem with a smile and a desire to live. She existed under supervised home care for several years. Following her last cataract surgery in September 1997, she begins to fail rapidly and was in and out of hospitals and medical facilities on several occasions. Still battling, she was diagnosed with pneumonia on 31 December 1997 and rushed to intensive care in the Cottonwood Hospital, Murray, Salt Lake County, Utah, where, in spite of her fight, she succumbed to her illness and passed away on 13 January 1998. Her life had brought joy and happiness not only to her family but also to the many friends who came to her viewing and funeral to bid her good -bye. She will long be remembered for her "Happy-go-lucky way" and her ability to take things in stride as they came along.

Her viewing was held at the McDougal Funeral Home on Redwood Road. Funeral services were held at the Academy Park First Ward, 4505 WestPoint Drive, West Valley City, Utah, with graveside services and burial at the Memorial Estates Gardens, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah on 16 and 17 January 1998.

Music, prayers and tributes given at the services were most appropriate for this lady who lived by the code of serve and love one another. She was gifted in many ways, slow to accept praise, quick to take care of those in need and caring in every way to those close to her. The World needs more of this kind of person. May her memory be cherished forever by those close to her.

Prepared by:

Junius Blaine COVINGTON, Sr.

4211 Annapolis Drive

West Valley City, Utah

Tel: 801 968-7703

IMPORTANT EVENTS

List below items such as schools attended, vocation and business activities, Church positions, places of residence, special talents and interests, unusual and faith-promoting experiences, travel, genealogical and temple work, Church leaders and other outstanding persons you have met, etc.

Schools attended: Various Schools as listed:

1929-30 Mammoth Elementary School, Omaha, Nebraska

1931-34 Park Elementary School, Casper, Wyoming

1935-37 Hawthorne Elementary School and then one year Hamilton Junior High in Oakland, California

1938-39 Roosevelt Junior High School, San Diego, California - Promoted 7 June 1939

1939-41 San Diego High School, Dan Diego, California. Did not graduate from High school because of Thyroid illness - operation for thyroid was a success but was unable to return to school. Member of school Drill Team.

Misc. Info:

16 August 1941 - Married Theodore SCHWARZ in Yuma, Arizona - Divorced 21 Sept. 1946

21 September 1946 - Married Junius Blaine COVINGTON in Carson City, Nevada

Employment:

1939-41 Employed by Marine Corp officer as a housekeeper at North Island while in school

San Diego, California

1941 - Butcher at Piggley Wiggley Grocery Store, Dan Diego, California, etc…..

1947 - Woolworth 5 & 10 store, Helena, Montana - until Judy arrived in 1948

1953 - Waitress in old refurbished railroad Car - Aberdeen, Maryland

1959 - Waitress/Cashier at Marriott's Hot Shop in Falls Church, Virginia

1960 - Waitress/Cashier at Marriott's Hot Shop in Salt Lake City, Utah

1961-71 Full and Part Time work for Johnson-Anderson Mortgage Co. & Agency as an accountant's Aide and helping her husband in the Agency

1971-85 Sperry-Univac, later to become UNISYS, as a Payroll Clerk until her retirement in 1985

Community & Church:

1956-98 Became active in Girl Scouting in 1956 in Salt Lake City, Utah, then later in San Diego, California, then Falls Church, Virginia, then back to Salt Lake City, Utah (i.e. Magna/Granger-Hunter area) 1960-1965. Active in the Boy Scouting program from 1960 until 1981 - her total active years was 25. In this Cub Scouting Program she served in many capacities from District Roundtable, Training of Adult Cub leaders to that of Cub Scouting Director for the Kearns North Stake for many years until the Kearns East Stake was formed. Her main love, that of Den Mother - a great love for young boys.

Recipient of the Beehive District Award and the Council Silver Beaver (Fawn Award). One of the first thirteen women to be recognized with the Silver Beaver Award in the Salt Lake Council.

During these early years in the 1970's she served two years as President of the Academy Park Elementary School PTA, along with leadership positions in her church, such as Primary and Relief Society Presidencies.

1985-91 Served as an Ordinance Worker in the Jordan River Temple, one of her most loved jobs.

Her greatest achievements was the birth of her four children whom she loved and bossed dearly to make sure they were leaders and achievers.

PERSONAL RECORD

Name in full Gretchen Louise (COUSINS) COVINGTON

Father's name Frank Allison COUSINS

Mothers maiden name Gretchen Louise SCHWARTZ (Family name changed from SCHWARZ)

When born (day, month, year) 24 November 1923

Where born (town, county, state) Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska

When blessed (day, month, year)

By whom

When baptized (day, month, year) 2 May 1956

Where baptized Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah

Baptized by Johnnie R. MEANS, Seventy

When confirmed 6 May 1956

By whom Joe Talmage COVINGTON, High Priest

Patriarchal blessing by Eugene Willard PEARSON Date 13 April 1986

Priesthood ordinations:

Office By whom Date

Married to Junius Blaine COVINGTON Date 21 September 1946

Where married Carson City, Ormsby County, Nevada By Harry E. CHAPIN, Christian Minister

Where endowed LDS TEMPLE, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah Date 4 November 1970

Where sealed LDS TEMPLE, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah Date 4 November 1970

To whom (husband or wife) Junius Blaine COVINGTON

Departed for mission to Date

When returned

Special appointments

Where died Cottonwood Hospital, Murray, Salt Lake, Utah Date 13 January 1998

Where buried Memorial Estates Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road Date 17 January 1998

West Jordan, Salt Lake County, Utah