Ruby Gene Covey, 91

Ruby Gene Covey died peacefully in the loving arms of her husband Bill and son Mike on Nov. 9, 2018, at the age of 91.

Gene was born Sept. 21, 1927, in Missoula, the daughter of Ruby and George Smith. She grew up in the Rattlesnake area of Missoula and attended Missoula County High School before graduating from Alberton High School in 1945.

She married her husband of 65 years, William “Bill” Covey, in 1953. They met in the Rattlesnake as neighbors while attending the Lincoln grade school. Together they had two children, Michael and Carmel. Gene and Bill lived throughout western Montana and the Northwest until retiring to Flathead Lake and Kalispell in 1985.

Gene enjoyed everything life in Montana had to offer and spent summers fishing, camping and taking RV trips with her family. She was an avid and talented crafter, and had a passion for knitting, sewing and quilting. She was also a professional stained-glass artist and commissioned pieces for the Catholic Church as well as private homes. Gene was a beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Gene was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby and George, and her brother Aaron Smith.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; son Michael (Stacy) Covey, and grandchildren Charlie, Camden and Harrison; daughter Carmel (Richard) Knowles and grandchildren Michael (Alycia) and Andrew, and great-granddaughter Maiya.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gene’s life at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Parish in Kalispell.

Friends can visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.