Millie Covelli

Mildred “Millie” Covelli, a remarkable woman of 95, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025. Born in Ingram, Pennsylvania, on August 17, 1929, to Frank and Hazel Conner, Millie’s life well-lived was a testament to her vibrant and joyful spirit.

After moving to Southern California in the 1940s with her family Millie married Oresto “Rusty” Covelli, her husband of 57 years, in 1955. Unanimously voted “World’s Best Mom,” she raised her children with unconditional love, unwavering support, and the patience of a saint. She also made a mean lasagna.

Her love for sports and social connections was evident throughout her life in California and after she and Rusty moved to Las Vegas in 2000. She was an avid volleyball, softball, and racquetball player in her younger days and a regular participant in bowling leagues. She even slalom waterskied on her 72nd birthday! In her later years after moving to Texas in 2019 she continued to stay active by taking exercise classes, playing bean bag baseball, and giving the men a run for their money in the weekly putting contest at The Crossings, where she was affectionately known as the lady who walked her cat, Lena, in a stroller.

Millie’s warm and kind personality, boundless energy, and fun-loving nature left an indelible mark on everyone she met, and her positive outlook, strength, and resilience remains an inspiration to many. While dementia stole a lot from her in the past couple years, it never took her silly sense of humor, competitive spirit, love for her family, or the light in her eyes.

Millie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and son, Kevin Covelli.

Millie is survived by her children, Karen Ives and her husband Dallas; Ernie Covelli and his wife, Lois; Denise Covelli; and Anita Covelli and her fiancé, Kevin James; her grandchildren, Justin Elder, Brent Elder, Catrina Covelli, and AnneMarie Covelli; her brother, Larry Doppke; and her beloved cat, Lena.

Mom, every time we see a hummingbird we’ll be reminded of you. This isn’t goodbye, it’s “See you later, alligator…”

Donations in memory of Millie may be made to Second Chance Pets (https://www.secondchancepets.org/donate).

A Celebration of Life in her honor will be held at a later date.