Utahna Ordyna

Utahna (Tona) Dawn Ordyna , age 79, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away in her home in Mountain Green, Utah on March 19, 2022 surrounded by her family. She was born to Don Edward and Edith Louise Blake Royer on June 16, 1942 in St. George, Utah.

Tona wanted to be remembered as a person who went about doing good. She devoted her life to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to studying the plan of salvation and to serving others. She positively influenced those around her with her words, her smile, and her sincere interest in them. Her most precious possession was her testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and lived her life standing as a witness of the Savior “at all times and in all things and in all places.” She had no personal interest that took time away from her commitment to God and her family. To her posterity she would say, “May you ever be receptive to the great truths of The Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Tona’s best friend was her husband and eternal companion, Richard, whom she served with faithfully in this mortal life for 55 years. Her highest priority was that they were sealed for time and all eternity in the temple. They were married Aug. 21, 1965 in Chicago Heights, IL and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 25, 1965. It brings great peace knowing that they are eternally together again. Together they had eight children: one daughter and seven boys. Tona dedicated her life to her husband and family and was extremely loyal to them. She was never shy about bearing her testimony of Jesus Christ to her children through her words and her actions. She tirelessly cared for and nurtured them.

Tona was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She had an unquenchable appetite for studying the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was a student of the scriptures and dedicated a room in her home where she could immerse herself in the words of the prophets, be instructed by the Holy Ghost and be closer to her Heavenly Father. Tona enjoyed serving in the Church. She served as a mission presidents’ companion in the Poland Warsaw Mission, as a missionary in Shanghai, China and Salt Lake City, Utah.  She loved serving missions with her husband and was her happiest when she was serving.  Tona was dedicated to her callings.  She served in the Boy Scouts of America, in the Relief Society, and in the Primary.  She placed her church assignments as a priority and would prepare lessons weeks in advance.

At a young age, Tona developed a love for education. She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree as well as her teaching certificate. She supported her children on their missions by working as an English and geography teacher at Ogden and North Summit High Schools.

There is a wonderful reunion happening in heaven as she reunites with her husband Richard, her mother and father and the many family members that preceded her in death. Tona is survived by her brothers Martell Royer (Kathy Kwasny) and Ron Royer (Phyllis Howlette) and her sister Deena Royer Zieglowsky (Jim Zieglowsky) ; her eight children, Julie Ordyna Tomlinson (Robert Tomlinson), Adam Ordyna (Lindsey Vrtiska), Daniel Ordyna (Holly Hessing), Joseph Ordyna (Julynn Baggs), Paul Ordyna (Cyndi Garlock), Steven Ordyna (Kristin Roth), Jacob Ordyna (Alyssa Lillywhite), Nicholas Ordyna (Jamie Allen) and her 42 grandchildren and 4 great children.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday March 23, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Highlands Church (5378 W. Old Hwy Rd., Mountain Green, Utah) A viewing will be held from 9 to 10:45 prior to the services at the church. Interment will be at the Mountain Green Cemetery.