Jody L. Covalt

After a long, valiant struggle with health issues and surrounded by his loving family, Jody L. Covalt of Centre Hall, left his suffering behind and stepped into the arms of his Lord on Friday, December 29, 2023, with a smile on his face.  He was 64.  Born December 12, 1959, in Waynesboro, Jody was a son of the late Merrill “Tony” and Margaret K. “Swope” Covalt.  He was a 1977 graduate of Penns Valley High School.  On August 12, 1987, Jody married Beth Brown who survives. 

Also surviving is one daughter, Shania Covalt; two sons, Kenny Covalt (Ashley) and Dillon Covalt (Madison); three brothers, Michael Covalt (Juanita), Paul M. Covalt (Phyllis) and M. Keith Covalt (Tiffany); three grandchildren, McKenna, Ryker, and Octavia plus one on the way; a special great niece and nephew, Jadyn and Easton Homan who were like children to Jody and Beth; twenty-four nieces and nephews and forty-four great nieces and nephews.  Also surviving is a stepfather in law, Robert Fohringer, three sisters in law, Nancy Aukerman (Darryl), Tina Homan (Craig) and Marci Long (Brian) and two brothers in law, Charles “Chub” Rowles and Terry Brown (Michele).  Jody was preceded in death by his sister, Holly Rowles and his father and mother-in-law, Jim and Joyce Brown. 

Jody was employed as a logger with the family logging business.  He often joked as did his family that they had sawdust in their blood.  He attended the Fellowship Bible Church in Spring Mills.  Jody enjoyed Penns Valley High School football and wrestling and usually sang the national anthem at those sporting events.  When he had been able, Jody enjoyed participating in bowling and softball games. 

Jody loved to sing.  He and his family were well known in the local area as the Covalt family.  They hosted the annual Covalt gospel sing at the Grange Fair grounds for 24 years, along with singing at carnivals and other local events.  Jody always had a happy heart and a smile on his face.  It didn’t matter what he was going through at the time or the pain he was in, he would always ask how everyone else was doing.  Most important was the support and love he had for his family, especially his grandchildren.  He will never be forgotten by his family and many friends. 

Fly high Jody.......until we all meet again. 

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the New Hope Lutheran Church in Spring Mills.  The funeral will be held at the church on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 11:00 am with Pastor Mike Covalt officiating.  There will be a visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service.  Jody will be laid to rest in the Mountain Cemetery at a later date.  Contributions in memory of Jody may be sent to the Steven R. Neff Funeral Home, POB 437, Millheim PA 16854. 

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