Sandra M. Covey

Sandra Renée Merrill Covey earned a college degree in Child Development and Family Relations, attending both the University of Utah and Brigham Young University, where she received the Outstanding Graduate Award. As a mother of nine (five daughters and four sons), Sandra was a memory maker. Each holiday, special family event, and one-on-one conversation was turned into a celebration of life, individual worth, and family.  Sandra devoted herself to many community affairs. She was particularly invested in the fine arts. She worked with the Symphony Guild, was a member of the Provo Arts Council, chaired the Utah Valley Symphony Ball, and served on the Utah Opera Board. She treasured being a soprano soloist for several operettas and musicals. She helped to create an arts center in her hometown of Provo, Utah, and felt deeply fulfilled when The Covey Center for the Arts was established in 2007 and named in her honor.  As one who felt the importance of letting one’s voice be heard, Sandra chaired multiple political county committees and served as a state delegate. She participated on school PTA boards, joined Stephen on occasion as a public speaker, and held demanding positions in her church.   Though her later years were filled with physical trials and surgeries that left her wheelchair bound, Sandra’s schedule remained full and busy. Hundreds sought her counsel due to her wise, practical, compassionate, and bold nature.  Sandra and Stephen enjoyed a remarkable 56 years of marriage and family nurturing.