Merry Jo Covington, 60, of Idaho Falls, died Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was under the care of Abode Hospice and Home Health.

She was born on December 21, 1955, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Keith and Shirley Getsinger. She grew up and attended schools in the Idaho Falls area. She earned her Business Associates degree through Eastern Idaho Technical College.

Merry served in the United States Army for six years, where she was stationed in Germany. Upon her retirement from the Army she joined the National Guard; she served for eleven more years.

She worked for Measurement Inc. for four years. She was the Self Reliance Specialist for the State of Idaho, at the Idaho Falls office where she worked until her death.

She was married to Art Riddle, and they later divorced. On December 11, 1980, she married Joseph Troy Covington in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Merry enjoyed being a homemaker, along with her job, and she was great at sewing, cooking, quilting, baking and cake decorating. She enjoyed when she had the opportunity to go camping with her family.

She was a charitable person to everyone, always there for others that needed anything. She was humble and kind, and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Troy Covington, Idaho Falls, ID; her Children:  Jennifer (Chris) Mims, Las Vegas, NV, Tonnia (Will) Cruise, Idaho Falls, ID, Tori (Troy) Rainey, Idaho Falls, ID, Trenna (Jim) Gardner, Vernon, TX, Troy Don (Dianne) Covington, Idaho Falls, ID, Todd (Wende)Covington, Rigby, ID; her sisters: Debbie (Vern) Ford, Idaho Falls, ID, Tammy Landon, Idaho Falls, ID, Karen Austin, Warden, MT; her brother, Steven (Rochelle) Hansen, Idaho Falls, ID; her step-mother, Karol Getsinger, Idaho Falls, ID; 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Keith Getsinger and Shirley Hansen; her granddaughter, Baylee Covington; and her great-great-grandchild, Oakley Rose Young.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Merry's name to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org/givehope or to Abode Hospice and Home Health, 503 So. Woodruff Ave., Idaho Falls, ID  83401.

A celebration of life will be held at 12 noon, on Sunday, October 16, 2016, at The Barn, 3966 East First Street. Arrangements are under the care of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls. Condolences may be sent online at www.coltrinmortuary.com .