December 29, 1946 — October 24, 2016
As only a true ballerina could, our precious Connie gracefully leapt her way into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father in the early morning hours of October 24, 2016. We prayed she would stay. It pained her to leave us. Yet, Connie heard the call to come home and she obeyed. Our dear mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend was diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer in November 2012. She bore her trial with complete grace and dignity. She braved her treatments with courage and class. Although her time on earth has ended, we know her spirit is near. Cancer did not win. Cancer couldn’t touch her soul. Connie lives on. We will feel her near in every sunset, she will be front row and center at every recital and game, and we will hear her glorious laugh in the laughter of her beloved grandchildren.
Connie made her grand debut a bit prematurely on December 29, 1946. She was born to loving parents Fen and Nola Covington in Kanab, Utah. Connie was the oldest of four children: Bruce, Roma and Carol. Sadly her baby sister, Roma lived only a few short weeks after her birth. Connie moved several times throughout her childhood as her father completed his medical training as a doctor. Ultimately, the Covington’s chose to make Twin Falls, Idaho their home. Fen worked tirelessly to create a thriving OBGYN practice in their community. In her youth, Connie developed into a talented pianist. She blessed many lives with her music throughout her life. Connie was a dedicated and gifted dancer. She especially loved ballet. She danced in several community productions, including “Carousel”, “Brigadoon”, “Annie Get Your Gun”, and “West Side Story”. She shared her love of musicals with her children which continued on to many of her grandchildren. Connie attended Twin Falls High School where she graduated in 1965. She made many special friendships in her youth that developed into cherished lifelong relationships. Connie had a natural beauty that was easily recognized, but it was her kindness that shined the brightest. Because she was admired for her goodness and her beauty she was voted Homecoming Queen her senior year. She also participated in the Miss Twin Falls Pageant where she was crowned Miss Twin Falls. (She was never one to brag, so we will do it for her.) After graduation, she left home to pursue her studies at the University of Utah. She studied ballet and became a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. It was at the “U” at a freshman dance that she met Mr. tall, dark and handsome…Pat.Connie and Pat fell head over heels in love and were married on December 22, 1967 in Twin Falls. Pat was later baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and together they were sealed as an eternal family in the Manti Temple on September 2, 1977. Connie and Pat made homes all over the U.S. as Pat trained to be a Navy Pilot. They wanted desperately to have a baby yet they found themselves struggling to grow their family. Their prayers were answered in March of 1973. Adoption blessed their home with a
Connie and Pat fell head over heels in love and were married on December 22, 1967 in Twin Falls. Pat was later baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and together they were sealed as an eternal family in the Manti Temple on September 2, 1977. Connie and Pat made homes all over the U.S. as Pat trained to be a Navy Pilot. They wanted desperately to have a baby yet they found themselves struggling to grow their family. Their prayers were answered in March of 1973. Adoption blessed their home with a dark-haired dynamo, Scott. Later, as another surprise, Connie found herself able to conceive and in time welcomed Torrey, Jeff and Tiffany to the family. After moving countless times, Connie and Pat finally decided to make Renton, Washington their home. They found immense joy in their family, their community and their Renton 3rd Ward family. Connie served faithfully in the Church in various capacities such as chorister, pianist, primary leader, teacher, relief society president, visiting teacher, ect… It was second nature for Connie to serve and help those around her. It was while living in Washington that Connie met her second soulmate, her best friend, Kathy Forrest. Connie prayed for a friend and then sweet Kathy walked right into her life! Kathy brought out a goofy side of Connie that very few have seen. They had ridiculous amounts of fun together and are bonded as soul sisters forever. Some of her best memories and deepest belly laughs were shared with her dear Kathy. Connie had always dreamed of finishing her degree. Once her kids were older, she went back to school and earned a degree in nursing. She became an RN. She found great satisfaction working in the nursing field as she cared for many patients over the years. As the kids grew up and moved out of the house, Connie and Pat bought a home in Kona, Hawaii and lived like islanders for a few years. They missed being close to family and found themselves drawn to the red rocks of Southern Utah. Hurricane then became home. They also were able to convince Connie’s mom, Nola to return to her red dirt roots and moved her from Twin Falls to Hurricane five years ago. Connie and Pat lovingly cared for her and have enjoyed having her close. Their Mother / Daughter time has been so special. Connie enjoyed reading books to Nola, and they would look forward to their “Downton Abbey” viewing time together. Connie cherished her beautiful mother. It brought her much joy to have her near. Their reunion one day will be a very happy one.
Connie will be missed desperately. Our hearts are broken, yet we are forever grateful for the precious time we had together. “What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller
Until we meet again….and we know we WILL meet again. Connie is preceded in death by her sister, Roma Covington; her father, Fen Covington; and her brother-in-law, Gar Hackney. She is survived by her mother, Nola Covington; her siblings: Bruce (Marcia) Covington and Carol (Pat) Hackney-Cavanaugh; her loving husband, Pat Korab; her best friend, Kathy Forrest; her children: Scott (Lori) Korab, Torrey (Greg) Gillespie, Jeff (Jessica) Korab and Tiffany (Eric) Porter; and her adoring grandchildren: Fen, Carter, Owen, Makenna, Easton, Harper, Cooper, Cora, Bridget, Avery, Truman and baby boy Porter due in February.
The family graciously welcomes flowers but if you are interested, you may donate to the Cancer Genomics Program at Intermountain in honor or Connie. Memorial gifts can be made by check to DRMC Foundation and mailed to: DRMC Foundation / Dixie Regional Medical Center, 1380 East Medical Center Drive, St. George, Utah 84790. We would like to give a special thanks to the wonderful doctors, nurses, staff and hospice that provided such great care for Connie throughout her journey. Thank you to Dr. Heather Gilbert for fighting for Connie to have the best medicines, and treatment options. And thank you to the incredible staff at Dixie Hospice Care that provided Connie with both physical and emotional comfort these last few weeks. Our hearts are forever grateful for you caring souls.
Funeral services
- Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at 11 a.m. in the Hurricane LDS 11th Ward (Sky Mountain) Chapel, 452 N. 2600 West, Hurricane, Utah.
- Visitations will be held Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Metcalf Hurricane Valley Mortuary, 140 North Main Street, and Saturday prior to services, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the chapel.
- Interment will be in the Toquerville Cemetery, Toquerville, Utah.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Hurricane Valley Mortuary, 435-635-9922.
For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit the Metcalf Mortuary website.