Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1927
DIED
2025
Isabel Covalt Obituary
April 23, 1927 - March 2, 2025
Albany, Oregon - Izzy Covalt was a devoted sister, daughter, mother, and Gaga. She was a trailblazing, successful businesswoman who found great strength and purpose in supporting and mentoring other women. She was an avid hiker, jogger, and animal lover. Izzy was a caring leader, loyal friend, strong entrepreneur, and a risk taker. She loved traveling to visit family, especially her grandchildren.
The daughter of Neldia Hallman and Fritz Robert Muenscher, Isabel was born in Bellingham, WA and raised on her family's farm in Ten Mile, surrounded by siblings and cousins. She loved to play and work outside, riding her horse and helping her daddy plow the fields. Her parents instilled discipline, faith, and hard work.
After she graduated from Meridian High School, Izzy attended Everett School of Nursing and married Albert Jansen, following his return from WWII in 1947. Izzy and Al had two children.
She married James P. Covalt in 1954. Izzy and Jim added four more children to their family. They were the first franchisees for Shakey's Pizza Parlor in 1959 in Albany, OR. Izzy and Jim Covalt were well-loved supporters of many community and youth organizations.
Following Jim's death in 1978, Izzy left the Shakey's organization. Izzy's Pizza was founded in 1979, a favorite restaurant chain and dynamic family business. In 1985 Izzy Covalt's Kitchen was founded, where she and her team developed recipes for the famous Izzy's buffet.
Izzy married Vail Palmer in 1999 and became part of the Quaker Friends community. She joined the George Fox University Board of Directors and was also active in the Faith Lutheran Church. In 2001 Izzy's professional focus shifted to writing her memoir, "My Name is Izzy," and a cookbook featuring family recipes.
Izzy has been widely recognized for her leadership in addiction recovery. She sponsored many women through substance abuse recovery and career growth. Izzy wrote a memoir on her own recovery journey and lived the 12-step program for over 40 years.
Izzy is preceded in death by parents Neldia Hallman and Fritz Robert Muenscher, sister Bernita (Pete) Zuidmeer, brother Frederick Otto (Esther) Muenscher, and sister Elinor Montgomery. She is survived by Elinor's husband Lonnie Montgomery. Izzy is proceeded in death by grandson Derek Pedraza, husband James Perry Covalt, and husband Thompson Vail Palmer. She is survived by her children, Patti Nell (Frank) Imhof, Dean Frederick (Michelle) Jansen, James Harley (Jean) Covalt, David Muenscher (Tatyana) Covalt, Lois Jane (Paul) Hein, Isabel Ann Covalt, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Special gratitude to Izzy's caregivers Shelley Chapman Pugh, Donna Hood-Roth, Teri Jagley, and Alexis Hawksford.
Izzy lived in Albany, Oregon and died at her home on March 2nd. A graveside service for the family was held in Ten Mile on Saturday, March 8, followed by a celebration of life in Bellingham, WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Isabel Covalt
Benjamin C.
May 6, 2025
Izzy, you ran a wonderful business for so many years. I'm just sorry that it was the victim of Covid, so many great buffet shut down. But Izzys were open for more than 40 years and that is a true milestone. I saved some of your old commercials on my hard drive. I'll never forget eating with my grandma one time - we went to your Clackamas restaurant and sat there for like 3 hours talking and going back for more and more slices of various pizza...but neither of us were fat people haha! We just loved the restaurant and being there. I always had this vision of you magically appearing at the pizza bar and saying "try our new Mojo Potatoes!" Thank you for the memories! Godspeed!
Andrew R.
May 5, 2025
Farewell, Izzy - your pizza restaurant on 9th Ave. in Corvallis, Oregon was my favorite place to eat when I was going to OSU. Tons of food for reasonable prices! Everyone loved it! I wish Izzy's Pizza had hit it big in California. Your TV commercials were on TV so much during the 1980s that whenever I think about TV of that time nowadays, I hear the jingle at the end of the commercial, "Izzy's is pizza plus a whole lot more!" Congratulations on a life well-lived - you were an Oregon icon! I still haven't read your book yet but I will.
Cindy Newton
March 29, 2025
So sorry to hear of Izzy's passing. She and my mom were great friends, both with like interests and both in the Albany restaurant industry. Lois, your mom was pretty awesome. You and I went to school together.
Izzy, rest in eternal peace
Terry Karstendiek
March 21, 2025
I am sorry to hear about Izzy´s passing. My mom Ruth Parcells (Herzog) became very good friends with Izzy while in nursing school. They stayed in touch for many years. Mom shared wonderful memories with us kids of her and Izzy. We also lost my mom February 8th. My parents loved the pizza and dad really loved the cinnamon rolls. Terry Karstendiek and family
Kimberly Wall
March 17, 2025
I count it a rich privilege to have been able to provide care for Izzy. I was caring for her for a few hours on Tuesday morning, February 25, just those few days before her passing. We didn't sing any this day, but at various times she enjoyed singing some of the old hymns together. Thank you, Izzy, for the memories and your life's work, love, help, and encouragement to so very many!
Rosanna Cruse Ritts
March 16, 2025
Sorry to hear of Isabel's death. My mom, Lillian Cruse used to babysit her children. We loved their pizza and salads. This was before her husband's death. Rosanna Cruse
Holly Belgarde
March 14, 2025
I've known Izzy for many years, probably 45 or so, when we attended the same church (St Peter's Episcopal Church in Albany) where I became good friends with her youngest daughter Lis (Isabel). I was always happy to run into Izzy at the Albany Izzy's restaurant. I was very sad to hear of her passing and send my love to her family
James Frey
March 11, 2025
Hi Fred: My family from Albany, OR just emailed me the passing of Izzy. She lived an amazing life & my heart goes out to you & family. You & your mom were significant people in my life when a "change" was needed. I now have almost 39 years of recovery because your unconditional love. May we all live abundant lives. From Setúbal, Portugal with love - Jim
Mike OConnor
March 10, 2025
So sad to here of Izzy's passing as I have so many fond memories of my relationship with the Covalts growing up. My mother and Izzy met in the mid 50's through a newspaper ad. Izzy was recently divorced, my mom widowed so Patty, Fred, my sister and I all moved in together in a big old house in N.E. Portland until Izzy met and married Jim Covalt.
Always felt very close to Izzy and and so glad to have stayed in touch all these years
and to have visited at here home last summer.
You will be missed.
Brandi Bessire
March 9, 2025
Dear Patti,
Your mom, so amazing, special and beautiful like you. I am so very sorry for your loss and send condolence and love. She will still be with you. Brandi
Dena Burian Blacklaw
March 9, 2025
Wonderful lady. Izzy was President of Altrusa International of Albany Oregon Club in the early 60's. She's was instrumental in making the club what it has become. We will be celebrating our club's 72nd anniversary in May.
I really miss the buffet..
Bless you Izzu and for all you did for our Community.
Dena Burian Blacklaw President
Altrusa International of Albany Oregon
Dena Burian Blacklaw
March 9, 2025
Wonderful lady. She was President of Altrusa International of Albany Oregon back in the early 60's. She was instrumental in making our Club what it is. We are celebrating our 72 year anniversary in May. I found some photo albums last month that have several articles about Izzy and the accomplishments she did with Altrusa.
I really miss Izzys Buffet.
Bless her
Dena Burian Blacklaw
President
Altrusa International of Albany
Tracy T
March 9, 2025
My grand sponsor you will be deeply missed & fondly remembered for all the rest of my days on earth. May you rest in peace. You will live on in memory by countless who have had the pleasure of knowing you. Love & prayers to all of your loved ones during these difficult times.
Jule Wind
March 8, 2025
Izzy was a wonderful role model, and my grandsponsor, when I got sober in 1984. She supported me and encouraged me-as she did to so many. She leaves a great legacy for the Albany community and for the recovery programs.
Joyce Greiner Morgan
March 8, 2025
My beloved friend and mentor.
Jerry Stotz
March 8, 2025
Grew up in Albany. Always went to Shakey´s .Than always went to Izzy´s . I think over the years I ate at probably all of them. I went to school with Patti in Jr.High and High School. May you Mother Rest In Peace. Prayers of Peace and Comfort for your Family.
Harvest Villemyer
March 8, 2025
I remember going to Sunday brunch buffet after church when I was in high school. For many years I have driven by your home. You will be greatly missed.
Kelli Pape
March 8, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Kristy Johnson
March 8, 2025
I´m sorry to hear of Izzy´s passing, I have fond memories in my childhood of her stopping at our table at the Albany Izzy´s to say hello and visits with her and with my aunt Jeanette.
Julie Brudvig Meier
March 8, 2025
Covalt family. I'm so sad to see this. I have long wanted to go visit after dad passed away. Thought about her all the time. Dad and your mom were such good friends. Dad´s first clients your parents were. My first boss. Sending love and peace your way. I am so sorry. Julie Brudvig Meier
Lexis J Kirkendall
March 8, 2025
Wonderful neighbor, church friend. Amazingly woman.
Shelley Jepson
March 8, 2025
Dear Patti,
I´m sorry I never got to meet your amazingly talented and beautiful Mother. I do know, though that you share many of her wonderful attributes. I I´m quite sure you´ll be surrounded by loved ones to help you through this sad time. I´m thinking of you, love, Shelley.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Isabel Covalt's name
Memorial Events
for Isabel Covalt
How to support Isabel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Isabel Covalt's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
