Mary E. Covert, aged 78, passed away on July 29, 2023 at Mary Greeley Hospital, Ames, Iowa. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with service of remembrance at 5:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral & Cremation Care (414 Lincoln Way, Ames Iowa, 50010) Online condolences can be made to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

She was born on March 1, 1945 and was the fifth child of Carl and Leona (Janke) Ollech. She had four older brothers: Albert, Walter, Duane, and Richard.

Mary attended school in Brookfield, Wisconsin followed by Custer High School in Milwaukee, WI. One of her delights was helping her Aunt run a concession stand at the Green Bay Packers home games. As a result, Mary was a lifelong Packers fan, although she added Iowa State and U of Iowa football teams to her cherished team list after she came to Ames.

After completing high school, Mary moved in with her brother Walter and wife Judy in Ames and enrolled in Iowa State University. She graduated with a BS degree in sociology. Mary met the love of her life George at a social gathering in 1965 and they married in February 1967. After graduation, she accepted a job at Donnelly Marketing in Nevada, IA where she advanced in programming to become a Systems Group Manager until her retirement.

After retirement, Mary's interest in Fiber Arts exploded which lead to taking classes locally and in Door County, Wisconsin. There was rarely a month that didn't include a quilt retreat somewhere in Iowa or Southern Minnesota. Mary enjoyed the camaraderie of other quilters and sharing what she knew, especially design and aspects of color. She made hundreds of quilts and pillow cases. Most of what Mary made went to family, friends and charitable groups.

When not quilting, Mary was reading and sharing her experiences with other readers. You'd also find her visiting family in Wisconsin, helping with puzzles or playing cards, e.g. Hand and Foot.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, George F. Covert, Ames, IA, and several nieces and nephews: Robert C. (Janet) Ollech, Mequon, WI, Susan E. Ollech, Stevens Point, WI, and James E. (Linda) Ollech, Neillsville, WI, Audrey M. Karpowitz, Oshkosh, WI, Ann M Ollech, New Berlin, WI and Brian K.(Tracy) Ollech, Appleton, WI. She is survived by three sister-in-laws: Judith Ollech of Neillsville WI; Paula Covert and Patti Covert of NY and their children John, Kelly and Catherine.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, four brothers, and three brother-in-laws.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: From The Heart Quilts, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. www.fromtheheartquilts.org (2823 Northwood Drive Ames, Iowa 50010)