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Mary Elizabeth Anderson Covington

1920 - 2016

Mary Elizabeth Anderson Covington obituary, 1920-2016, Redlands, CA

BORN

1920

DIED

2016

Mary Covington Obituary

MARY ELIZABETH ANDERSON COVINGTON 7/19/1920 - 6/24/2016 Mary was born in Allen, Nebraska to Dr. Robert and Pearl Anderson. Dr. Anderson was the founder of the Children's Dental Clinic in Long Beach. Mary grew up in Long Beach, California, surviving the 1933 earthquake, and graduating from Long Beach Poly High School in 1938 where she was commencement speaker and class valedictorian. She continued her education at the University of Redlands, being active in Alpha Sigma Pi sorority, SPURS (national sophomore women's service organization), and graduating in 1942. It was at the U of R that she met and fell in love with Robert (Bob) Covington. He was a member of Pi Chi fraternity and U of R. student body president. They were married in Long Beach's First Congregational Church on June 19, 1942. Mary moved to Redlands in 1948 when Robert accepted a position with the Planning Department of San Bernardino County. Robert later was Administrative Officer/ CAO of San Bernardino County. Mary was busy raising their family which included daughters Ruth Ann and Janey and son, Jim, but was also involved in the community with charter membership in P.E.O. chapter PK, church responsibilities in the First Congregational Church, First Presbyterian Church and First Baptist Church, the Y.W.C.A., the Contemporary Club, and home teaching through the Redlands School District. She was a charter member of the Inland Empire Chapter of Childhelp. In 1975, the Covington's welcomed into their family a lovely Vietnamese family, Thanh Pham, Nhung Nguyen and their children, with whom they have remained close. In 1976, with the encouragement of daughter, Ruth Ann and her husband Dick, the Covington's purchased Campfire Lodge Resort in West Yellowstone, Montana and spent summers operating the resort for vacationers until 1983. The family have been summer residents ever since and Montana held a special place in Mary's heart. In 1982, Mary was honored by inclusion into the Teachers Hall of Fame located at the San Bernardino County Museum. In 2003 she received the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Redlands. In December 2003, Mary moved to Plymouth Village in Redlands where she thoroughly enjoyed the writer's class. Writing had always been a special talent of Mary's, along with her creative character drawings. Family was of special importance to Mary. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert (2002), and survived by sister Ruth Weaver (Long Beach); daughters Ruth Ann (Don/ Redlands), Janey (Jack/ Torrance); son Jim (Dale/ Big Bear), and grandchildren Holly (Greg), Russell (Melissa), Janene (Jason), John (Loni), Mary (Brian), Ellie (Hien), Billy (Katie), Christopher, Cathleen (Gary), and April (Tony). Mary's great grandchildren include Ben, Louisa, Grace, Aubrey, Taylor, Hunter, Sawyer, Kaius, Aidan, Elise, Solace, Melody, Mason, Joey, and Isabella. Mary gave of herself to others, loved people and would share life giving guidance for any problems. She would amaze people when asking about all of their children and grandchildren. She was a feisty lady and had definite views about the world situation and did not hesitate to give her opinion. Socially, she enjoyed giving tea parties for friends, planning special George Washington parties, forming the Redlands Dance Club with her husband, Bob, and Light Opera Club. She and Bob funded scholarships for University of Redlands students for many years. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First Baptist Church, 51 W. Olive Ave., Redlands, CA on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Children's Dental Health Clinic, 455 Columbia St., Suite 32, Long Beach, CA 90806, Attn: Barbara Lieberman-Jones, Memorial for Mary Anderson Covington or The Redlands Symphony, 1200 E. Colton Ave., P.O. Box 3080, Redlands, CA 92373 in memory of Mary Anderson Covington.

Published by The Press-Enterprise on Jul. 7, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

We were across the street neighbors, from Aug. 1979 - Aug. 1989, when we moved to Northern Ca. We enjoyed sweet times with Mary and Bob, and of course, Ben! They were always "giving" and involved in the entire community. I love the feisty description of Mary. I would also describe Mary as having a real ZEST for life. There were never enough hours in her day to accommodate all her interests.
We will forever be grateful to Mary for introducing us to the Reading Game. Another example of her taking interest in someone else. Simply an amazing woman who could be quite the character.
RIP, sweet friend.

Kim & Ray Myers

July 19, 2016

I will miss my only sister.
I feel blessed to have been a part of her life.
We shared an abundance of wonderful family memories.
She really gave all her energy to a life well_lived.

NOW REST IN PEACE PRECIOUS SISTER

RUTH ANDERSON WEAVER

July 11, 2016

This is a very special lady and I, too, will miss her beautiful smile and her brilliant mind. I have had the good fortune to have loved, learned and marveled at her and her 'feisty ways' for over the 50 short years that C.H. And I had known Mary and Bob, after meeting Ruth Ann and Dick at an A.A.U.W. Meeting for ''recent grads.' These years included summer trips to So. Lake Tahoe and Montana, Falling Leaf and Jackpot, many trips to Yellowstone Park, Mt. Rushmore and Glacier Lake!! In fact, the entire family has become a special part of my life. What fun we always had, having the 'birthday buddies' share their special day together in Montana! I often think we were just innocent by-standers for their "mutual admiration society'!! We have both lost loved ones that were very close to us this year. What a special day their birthday (July 19) will be as we all get together to celebrate her life and remember the wonderful and precious memories this long friendship has produced. Much love to you and all the family.

All my love,

Patti

July 11, 2016

I will miss her hugs and beautiful smile. She was such a wonderful Mama. Ruth Ann Nydam

Ruth Ann Nydam

July 7, 2016

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Memorial Events
for Mary Covington

Jul

19

Celebration of Life

10:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church

51 W. Olive Ave, Redlands, CA

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