Janice “Jan” Elaine (Gottula) Covault died on March 31, 2025, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Jan was born on August 5, 1938 to Richard and Eleanor Gottula in Pawnee City, NE. She graduated from Table Rock High School. While there, she was a cheerleader and very active in music, giving piano lessons at home and participating in music contests. She studied music at Peru State College and attended the University of Nebraska, where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and first learned how to play bridge.
On December 10, 1961, she married LeRoy Covault at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Elk Creek, NE and lived in Lincoln where she was employed at Continental National Bank. In 1965, they moved to Des Moines, IA, where they lived for 11 years and then returned to Lincoln, NE to live until her death. She worked at Ameritas and Nebraska State Education Association as a secretary, excelling at short hand. She was a member of Christ Lincoln Church, where she was involved in the choir, LWML, Women’s bible study group and the flower committee. She was also a member of PEO and several book clubs. She loved playing bridge with her family (she taught her three kids to play by their early teens) and she was in numerous bridge groups. Her favorite hobbies were gardening, going to the community playhouse and the Lied Center, all things music, crafting and traveling (seeing all 50 states). Some highlights in her travels include family trips skiing in Winter Park, CO; adventures to London, New York, Savannah, GA, and Door County, WI with girlfriends; fun couples trips to the Bahamas, Hawaii and Alaska; and riding a camel with Roy in the Australian outback.
In her later life, she spent much of her time with her three grandchildren (who fondly call her “Meme Jan”) supporting them in their activities. She held a “camp” for them many summers, which she took quite seriously with a schedule of baking, crafting, playing games and visiting Lincoln sites. Her family, friends and faith were the center of her life and she will be dearly missed.
Jan is survived by her devoted husband, Roy; son, Curt Covault; and daughter Lisa Moriarty (Brent); and grandchildren Emma, Nick and Tyson Moriarty. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Brian Covault, and sister Judy Helberg.
Memorial service: 11:00 am Friday, April 4, 2025, Christ Lincoln Church, 4325 Sumner St. Private burial in Table Rock Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or Christ Lincoln Church.
Services
Memorial Service
11:00 am CST
Christ Lincoln Church
4325 Sumner Street, Lincoln, NE
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Roy and family—Lynn and I send our deepest sympathies to all of you in the loss of Jan. I first met her when I worked for Bankers Life Nebraska (now Ameritas), and through our membership at Christ Lincoln, and then as neighbors on South 75th Street. She was a wonderful person with an engaging smile and personality. She will be missed, and our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
– Bruce McKeag
Jan was valuable member of altar flower delivery committee. She snd Roy delivered many smiles in the years she served. God bless family.
– Sheryl Weander
Aunt Janice was always so delightful to be around. She was quick to smile and had the most heart-warming and contagious laugh. Even last year when she no longer remembered us, she would laugh that beautiful laugh of hers and it brought decades of memories flooding back for me. I will always remember her for her welcoming and joyous laugh. Todd recalls that as kids, their families always got together in the summer to celebrate the birthdays of their daughter, Lisa, and Todd’s sister, Sonya, who were born ten days apart. Mom (Norma) and Jan seemed to be the best of friends and enjoyed throwing these girly birthday parties together. Aunt Jan will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers continue for Uncle LeRoy and family.
– Joan and Todd Covault
Aunt Janice was fun and happy whenever we would get together. She was so crafty and talented with her skills. She always had some good food to offer us when we would stop by when we were in Lincoln. Scott loved her mini rye pizzas….. unless Uncle LeRoy takes credit for those. Aunt Janice will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to Uncle LeRoy and family.
– Scott & Aggie Covault
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