Margaret “Rootie” Covelle, 93 of Glouster passed away on Sunday November 4, 2024, at O.S.U. Medical Center, Columbus. Born September 29, 1931, in Glouster, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Lena Cortese Covelle. Rootie was a 1949 graduate of Glouster High School, then moved to Columbus, working for the National Electric Rail Co. for ten years. She later returned home to Glouster where she owned and operated her excavating business for 22 years. She was the first female in the State of Ohio to belong to the Operating Engineer’s Union. She retired from O.D.O.T. in 1995 as the construction supervisor. Rootie was involved in her community and Athens County. She was twice elected as a Trimble Township Trustee, was a member of the GCDC Board for 35 years, one of the founding members of the Trimble Textbook and Supplies Foundation, a member of the Athens County Democratic Committee, and a member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Glouster. Rootie was an avid golfer and poker player.
She is survived by her lifelong partner, Eva Poling; a nephew, Bob (Diane) Walker; nieces, Karen (Craig) Azbell and Sharon Walker; special friends, Donna Poling and Janet Auer; and special card buddies, Jackie, Cheryl, and Becky.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Andrew, Charles and Anthony Covelle; sisters, Mary Ramsey and Helen “Babe” Walker.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday November 7, 2024, at the Bishopville Church of Christ. Interment will be in the Maplewood Cemetery, Glouster. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the church. Contributions in Rootie’s memory can be made to The Trimble Textbook and Supplies Foundation, c/o Sandy Gyure, PO Box 187, Glouster, Ohio 45732. Arrangements have been entrusted to Morrison Funeral Chapel, Glouster-Bishopville. A message of comfort may be sent to the family at www.morrisonfc.com.
