Melinda "Gail" Covington

Gail's services are entrusted to Clark Legacy Center, 601 East Brannon Road, Nicholasville, KY 40356.

Melinda "Gail" Ritchey Covington, age 58, wife of 28 years to Thomas Shane Covington, passed away Monday, April 13, 2026 at her home in Lawrenceburg. Gail was born January 16, 1968 in Lexington, KY to the late Ronald Wayne Ritchey and the late Mary Lou Fleischer Wages. 

Gail was a 1986 graduate of Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky and received her Associate Degree in Business from Sullivan University, which then lead her into her profession as an Administrative Assistant.  Gail was an avid photographer and especially enjoyed photographing horses. She also enjoyed designing jewelry and then gifting to family & friends.  One of the greatest joys in her life was saving animals. Whether it was a dog, a cat or even a wild creature, she was ready to provide food and shelter. This love led her into volunteering at the Anderson County Animal Care & Control and also at the Jessamine County Animal Care & Control where she assisted in the spaying and neutering of thousands of dogs and cats. 

Including her devoted husband Shane, Gail is survived by her loving sister, Ann Damron and her husband Jeff of Georgetown; her niece, Lauren Yannelli and her husband Jesse of Lexington; her nephew, Jordan Damron and his wife Oriana of Louisville; her great-nephew & niece, twins Jack and Adaline, great-niece Aubrey; as well as many friends.   

She is also survived by her beloved dogs George and Olivia, as well as many cats she loved as her children.   

A celebration of Gail's life will be held on Saturday, May 16th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Clark Legacy Center, 601 East Brannon Road, Nicholasville, KY 40356. Family and friends will have the opportunity to share fond memories of Gail at 3:30 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a humane society or a spay and neuter clinic of your choice.