Covington Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery

09/26/2025

Judy K. Durnell, 83, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 15, 1942, in Aboite Township. Judy is the daughter of the late William and Anna Mae (Knight) Rife. Family was the heart of Judy’s life.

Read more about Judy's story below:

Judy K. Durnell, 83, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 15, 1942, in Aboite Township, the daughter of the late William and Anna Mae Knight Rife. Family was the heart of Judys

09/25/2025

James Fritz, 72, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on September 18, 1953, to Pete Fritz and Mary (Smith) Wise. He married Jane Ann Sharp, who preceded him in death in 1977. James was a part of the Air Force and Marines and was very proud of his service.

Read more about James' story below:

James Fritz, 72, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on September 18, 1953, to Pete Fritz and Mary Smith Wise. He married Jane Ann Sharp, who preceded him in death in 1977. James was a part of the Air Force and Marines

09/24/2025

🍂 FALL CLEANUP is coming! Please share the news with your family and friends: In preparation for the holiday season, we’re getting ready for our annual fall cleanup. During this time, any prohibited/breakable items will be removed, and our team will perform landscaping maintenance. By revitalizing cemetery grounds and honoring your loved ones’ resting places, we hope to ensure a pleasant visitation for you and all of our visitors.

Please call the number in our bio for cleanup dates, park Rules and Regulations, and details on how we can assist you in tending to your loved one’s resting place. Thank you!

09/23/2025

As families come together to answer the calls of the shofar, this day marks a new year of reflection, growth, and spiritual renewal. To all who celebrate, we hope you enjoy a sweet Rosh Hashanah! 🍎

09/23/2025

Peter Voigt, 56, of Andrews, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital. He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on October 19, 1968, to Walter and Marcyle (Volz) Voigt. Peter had a great love for music, especially Rock and Roll.

Read more about Peter's story here:

Peter Voigt, 56, of Andrews, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital. He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on October 19, 1968, to Walter and Marcyle Volz Voigt. Peter had a great love for music, especially Rock and Roll. In high school he played the

09/22/2025

Have you thought about writing your Will but don’t know where to start? We can help you take the first step toward protecting what matters most. Contact our office or your Family Service Counselor to receive your complimentary Will Guide today. 📝

09/22/2025

Have you thought about writing your Will but don’t know where to start? Today, take the first step toward protecting what matters most. Contact your closest location to see if they are participating in a Write a Will Day event, where you’ll receive a free Will Guide to help you prepare for the future.
https://www.memorialplanning.com/find-location/

09/20/2025

When a veteran passes away and has chosen to be buried, the American flag is traditionally draped over their casket. This flag es**rts them all the way from the funeral home to the committal ceremony. But what if they have chosen cremation?

We at Covington Memorial believe all veterans should be able to be es**rted by the American flag no matter if they are buried or cremated. When a veteran in our care has chosen cremation, we ensure that they are draped with an American flag that needs to be retired. According to section 8 of the U.S. Flag code, “The flag when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning".

The picture below is an example of a typical cremation container covered with a flag ready for retirement. If you have American flags that need to be retired, we will gladly take them so that they may es**rt a veteran one last time.

Flags can be dropped off in person or mailed to our funeral home at Covington Memorial Funeral Home: 8408 Covington Road Fort Wayne, IN 46804.

09/18/2025

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’d like to recognize a Hispanic Heritage Award honoree who is at rest in Las Mercedes Memorial Park: Sor Maria Isolina Ferré! 💒 As a Catholic Missionary Sister, Sor Isolina brought her gift of service to many places, including Puerto Rico, Philadelphia, New York City, and Chicago – and now, we bring her story to you.

Read our blog to learn about the “Mother Teresa of Puerto Rico,”: https://www.memorialplanning.com/resources/grief-support/a-life-to-remember-sor-maria-isolina-ferre/

09/17/2025

What kind of life lessons would you include in an Ethical Will? Tell us in the comments. Our Will Guide gives you a chance to think about an Ethical Will, a Living Will, and much more. Join us at our upcoming Write a Will event, and get your free copy! Contact your nearest location to see if they are participating.

https://www.memorialplanning.com/find-location/

09/17/2025

What kind of life lessons would you include in an Ethical Will? Tell us in the comments. Our Will Guide gives you a chance to think about an Ethical Will, a Living Will, and much more. To get your free copy, give us a call or contact your Family Service Counselor. Write a Will Day is coming up next week – contact our office to see if we’re participating.

09/14/2025

“My best friend,” “See you in heaven,” and “In our hearts forever,” are just a few of the loving inscriptions we’ve seen on the pet memorials in our cemeteries. Can your pet be described in four words or less? If so, share your thoughts in the comments.🐈❤️🦮

09/14/2025

“My best friend,” “See you in heaven,” and “In our hearts forever,” are just a few of the loving inscriptions we’ve seen on the pet memorials in our cemeteries. Can your pet be described in four words or less? If so, share your thoughts in the comments. 🐈❤️🦮

09/11/2025

We are remembering the victims, survivors, families, first responders, and communities that were tragically affected by 9/11 on the day of the attacks and in the years that followed.

In honor of Patriot Day, we’d like to share the story of Patricia Stanley, a Memorial Planning employee. On 9/11, Patricia was working at a New Jersey cemetery near New York City.

Learn about her experience in the Memorial Planning blog: https://www.memorialplanning.com/resources/grief-support/a-patriot-day-story-patricia-stanley/

09/11/2025

Today we are remembering the victims, survivors, families, first responders, and communities that were tragically affected by 9/11 on the day of the attacks and in the years that followed.

In honor of Patriot Day, we’d like to share the story of Patricia Stanley, a Memorial Planning employee. On 9/11, Patricia was working at a New Jersey cemetery near New York City.

Learn about her experience in the Memorial Planning blog: https://www.memorialplanning.com/resources/grief-support/a-patriot-day-story-patricia-stanley/

09/10/2025

Thank you, Joyce, for your wonderful review! We take pride in our stellar team who goes above and beyond to make sure all families receive excellent service. We appreciate your continued trust in us.

09/10/2025

Why do you think it’s important to make a Will? ✍️ Share your insights in the comments. Next week, we’re hosting a Write a Will event where we’ll guide attendees through the essentials of estate planning. Guests will receive a free Will Guide and the peace of mind that comes from planning ahead. Reach out to your Memorial Planning location for details!
https://www.memorialplanning.com/find-location/

09/07/2025

Are you celebrating Grandparents’ Day? If so, share your traditions, add pictures, and tag your loved ones! Grandparents love to treat their grandchildren, but today’s the day to spoil them back. Give grandma or grandpa a visit or call and let them know how much they mean to you.

If your loved one has departed, you can still visit their resting place to wish them a happy Grandparents’ Day. 💚

09/04/2025

When families face end-of-life decisions, understanding hospice care is essential. Our latest blog explores how hospice provides comfort, dignity, and support for patients and caregivers alike. Learn about coverage options, levels of care, and the emotional resources available to help navigate this journey with compassion 🌿

Read more:

Understanding hospice care: coverage, services, and support options to help families navigate end-of-life decisions with clarity and compassion.

09/01/2025

While many of us can enjoy the 3-day weekend, family service never sleeps. ⏰ To the last responders who work around the clock and behind the scenes, thank you for your dedication. Your commitment to families, your calling, and your community is greatly appreciated.

08/28/2025

In Part 3 of our Death Acceptance series, we explore how end-of-life planning empowers you to take control of your legacy. From funeral arrangements to estate planning and memorial tributes, discover how thoughtful preparation can bring peace to you and your loved ones.

📖 Read the full article

Discover how planning end-of-life services and legacy choices can bring peace, purpose, and control in Part 3 of our death acceptance series.

08/28/2025

Today, we celebrate Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, for the pets who changed our lives.

Are you remembering a dear pet today? If so, drop their name with an animal emoji in the comments. 💗 They’re our best friends, sidekicks, fur babies, beloved troublemakers, and so much more. So, when it’s time for a pet to cross the rainbow bridge, their passing can leave a significant hole in your family and in your heart. For everyone who has faced this painful experience, we hope your pet enjoyed a life of treats and comfort, knowing they were loved.

08/20/2025

🏡 Planning a Move or Helping a Loved One Downsize?

Downsizing can be a meaningful step toward a simpler, more peaceful lifestyle—especially for seniors transitioning to assisted living or moving in with family.

We understand that life’s transitions often come with emotional and logistical challenges. That’s why we’re sharing practical tips for downsizing—from organizing belongings to preparing for moving day.

Whether you're supporting a loved one or preparing for your own next chapter, this guide offers compassionate, helpful advice to make the process smoother.

📦 Read the full article: Downsizing Your Home: Practical Tips for a Smooth Transition 👉

Smooth your transition with practical downsizing tips—ideal for seniors relocating, entering assisted living, or moving in with family.