Vivian Kay Kovenich

Born mountain tough in West Virginia to Leck and Verna (Asbury) Wyatt. Vivian grew up in Newport, Michigan. Vivian passed away Friday, November 29, 2024 at Brookdale of Monroe. Survived by her husband George, sister Cheryl (Don) Germain and a brother David Wyatt, she previously lost her parents, brother Dennis and sister Bonita. Vivian attended Jefferson Schools and later Bauder College in Miami, Florida. This is where she married her life’s project and great love, her constant companion George Kovenich. They returned to Monroe to be near family. Spending time with family and friends always made her the happiest. Alex and Ronda, Daniel and Anna, Carmen and Mike Davidson, Kinsey and Nicole and families, David and Mandy, Laura and Brenda, Geoff Kovenich, David and Cathy Kovenich, Stanley and Mary Nell along with all the Asburys, she loved each of you completely and always. She was fond of saying on her way out the door, “I know you are going to miss me!” Vivian had a long career at La-Z-Boy where she was fortunate to work the majority of her time there when it was a family-oriented company and to receive the mentorship of leaders such as Dick Micka and later Pat Norton. With great tenacity and quick humor, she moved along her career path receiving awards such as a Tribute to Women in Industry and she broke through the glass ceiling to become a manager, director and ultimately became Vice President of Customer Service. She made great friends across the country along the way especially Debbie Boughey, Betty Pancone, and Steve Latondress, kindly remembering them all. Vivian never pre-judged anyone and was always quick to encourage the efforts of those who sought her advice. For her, friendship and loyalty once earned was a great gift. Afterward she retired to lake living where she enjoyed long walks with her dog Augie, paddleboat rides reading the clouds like teenagers, fish fries, laughing with the girls in the book club, waving at the space station traversing the Night sky, and of course Mother Nature’s “back porch theater” looking over the lake kept her amused. Ever humble after a long battle with illness, Vivian requested no special services and will be cremated. Bacarella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Special thanks to ProMedica Hickman Radiology and Oncology departments, Brookdale of Monroe, and especially for the care she received from her nurses, aides, and chaplain of Beacon Hospice. Vivian would encourage everyone able to become a blood donor. She vowed to replenish every unit and more that her daddy received when in need. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com. “Our home, warm and full of love and laughter… was often filled with the smell of fresh brewed coffee, wood, leather and sometimes dog. We were blessed”

Vivian Kay Kovenich

February 12, 1953 - November 29, 2024