Russell E. Covey

Memorial Services for Russell E. Covey will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Pastors Scott Guthrie and Rick Thomason officiating.  Inurnment will follow at the Hope Lutheran Cemetery at Gosper County, Nebraska.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services will be followed. The Covey family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Russell's services based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.  Russell's memorial service and graveside service will be live-streamed on the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home's Facebook page. ( https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622/ )

Russell Eugene Covey, 71 years of age, of Ragan, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2020, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.  Russell was born on October 26, 1948, in Holdrege, the fourth of seven children to Albert L. and Alberta Iola (Guthrie) Covey.  He was baptized and confirmed at the Ragan United Methodist Church in Ragan.  Russell attended school in Ragan and Wilcox, Nebraska and graduated from Wilcox High School with the class of 1967.  He then pursued higher education from Kearney State College, with a double major in English and Psychology.

In April of 1972, Russell was united in marriage to Peggy Frerichs. He always loved music; singing at church, and other events, accompanied by Peggy and her family.  He lived in or near Ragan his entire life.  Russell began working at the Phelps County Court House in 1972, until 1985.

On October 25, 1986, Russell was united in marriage to Ramona (Wilken) Carter at the Ragan United Methodist Church.  He also began working at Becton-Dickinson in 1986 and later retired in 2000, due to health concerns.

Russell battled the health concerns from contracting Polio as a child, but he never let it stop him from pursuing his hobbies. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed camping with family and friends. He loved 1957 Chevy's and all Husker sports. Russell knew no stranger and you could always count on him telling you a good story; usually ending with a joke and a big ornery smile. He was a life-time member of the Ragan United Methodist Church; and was a forty plus year 4H Leader of the Ragan Wranglers 4H Club.

Russell and Mona raised show lambs for 4H and FFA projects.  He was passionate about 4H and was a fixture at many fairs across the state. You could always find him sitting along the show ring; proudly giving pointers and encouragement to his 4H kids. Russell had a special bond with many 4-H'ers, and enjoyed teaching the youth valuable skills needed to select, raise, and show their livestock.

Russell was preceded in death by; his parents; and a brother-in-law, Doug Wilken in 2000.

Russell leaves to celebrate his life; his devoted wife, Mona Covey of Ragan; three brothers: Duane Covey and his wife, Diana of Belton, Missouri; Dean Covey and his wife, Verna of Berthoud, Colorado; and Milford Covey and his wife, Brenda of Orleans, Nebraska; three sisters: Leona Coons of Elm Creek, Nebraska; Lorriane Bendorf and her husband, Rod of Bertrand, Nebraska; and Jeanette Elliott of Holdrege; sister-in-law, Hilda Wilken of North Platte, Nebraska; and a host of special nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives; and friends.

A memorial has been established in Russell's honor, and kindly suggested to: the family to establish a local 4H Scholarship; to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; or donor's choice.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.