Obituary of DeLight F. Covert

DeLight F. Covert, aged 88 years, entered into rest on Sunday, August 17, 2003, at a Lodi hospital, after a long illness. She was born on December 17, 1914 in Dundy County, Nebraska, the daughter of Harry Swink and Lula Nichols. DeLight grew up in Nebraska, where she attended local schools. On November 27, 1935, she was married to the love of her life, Mr. George F. Covert of Colorado. After their marriage, they were active performing missionary work. They lived in Lamar, Nebraska, until 1942, when they moved to Oroville, California, and later settled in Stockton in 1944. Mrs. Covert worked as an educator for most of her adult life. She accompanied her husband during his travels as part of his missionary ministry around the world. While traveling in Alaska she was instrumental in developing curriculum for families who home-schooled their children. In 1968, Mr. and Mrs. Covert went to South America, to perform missionary work in Colombia. A year later, in 1969, a tragedy brought the untimely death of Mr. Covert, leaving Mrs. Covert a widow. Armed with uncommon faith and strength, she continued her work helping others. In 1980, she moved to Lodi, where she worked on the 24-hour crisis hot line, and was active as a volunteer counselor and teacher at Lodi's Center of Hope from 1980 until 1995. She was also very active doing volunteer work at the Women's Shelter in Stockton. DeLight led a remarkable life dedicated to the service of others. She was known for her kindness, unselfish service and her ability to reach people in need. Her talents as an educator and keen listener, allowed her to help others during critical times, making a difference in the lives on countless many people. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and traveling cross-country. DeLight is survived by three children: her son, George Ronald Covert and his wife Nancy of Sacramento; her daughter, Peggy Gilbert of Lodi; her son, Neal L. Covert and his wife Phyliss of Merced. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren: George Ronald Covert, Jr. and his wife Bonnie of Sacramento; Carrie Renee Gillett and her husband, Rev. Michael Gillette of Duluth, Minnesota; Erek Paul (Gilbert) Covert of San Francisco; Brian Neal Covert and his wife, Sara of Nashville, Tennessee; and Dr. Sara Janeen Covert, D.V.M. of Taylorsville, North Carolina; 9 great-grandchildren, Diana and Tia Covert of Sacramento; Clark, DeeAnn, Melissa, Bradley, Sam and Gayle Gillett of Duluth, Minnesota; and Bradley Covert of Nashville, Tennessee.; and two sisters, Phyllis Buchannan of Puyallup, Washington and Jean Jessee of Stockton, California. She was preceded in death by her husband, George F. Covert; sisters, Mildred Swink, Lucille Smith and Donna Mann; and brothers, Fred and Junior Swink. Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 6, 2003 at Valley Hi Covenant Church, 8355 Arroyo Vista Drive in Sacramento, CA. Rev. Dr. Wayne Kildall of Ebenezer Congregational Church in Lodi, and Rev. Michael Gillett of Duluth Minnesota, officiating. Private interment was at Lodi Memorial Cemetery in Lodi. Memorial contributions may be sent to Salvation Army General Relief, P.O. Box 1388, Lodi, CA 95241-1388. Lodi Funeral Home entrusted with the funeral arrangements.