Kelly Robert Lovelace

Kelly Robert Lovelace, 76, of Pleasant Hill, Oregon, passed away on June 25, 2025, at PeaceHealth RiverBend, surrounded by loved ones.
Kelly was born on November 5, 1948, in Drain, Oregon, to Dennis and Anna (McKirdy) Lovelace. He was the second youngest of six children and was known from a young age for his imagination, drive, and deep love of farming. His mother described him as "determined to succeed in whatever he endeavored to do," and friends and family would see that determination unfold throughout his life.
He began his first paper route at just 10 years old, delivering the Oregon Journal and later the Eugene Register-Guard-even braving the Columbus Day Storm of 1962 to do so. His success once earned him a trip to Disneyland. In his free time, young Kelly built elaborate model train layouts in his attic before eventually trading toy trains for real cars, jobs, and FFA activities.
Kelly graduated from South Eugene High School in 1966, having transferred specifically for its strong agriculture program. A proud FFA Chapter President, he formed lifelong friendships through the organization and traveled to the National FFA Convention in Missouri. After high school, he worked in construction and heavy equipment operation before returning to his true passion: agriculture. He worked for David Malpass, ran his own herd of sheep on rented pasture in the Harrisburg, and customized a farm truck to haul sheep-along with his loyal border collie, King.
Kelly met Janet and they were married in 1973. They began their life together on a sheep ranch in Yoncalla. Though they had no children during those early years, they built a foundation of hard work and teamwork that defined their partnership. Later, they welcomed their children and farmed together for many years. Though they eventually divorced, Janet Lovelace survives him and remains part of his story.
After welcoming their daughter Jennifer in 1977, Kelly and Janet purchased a 160-acre farm and built a life grounded in agriculture. They raised sheep, farmed rented ground, and custom harvested in Eastern Oregon. When tough years made farming unsustainable, Kelly accepted the role of ranch manager at the M.C. Ranch in Adel-a 1.75-million-acre operation in Southeastern Oregon. He loved taking Jennifer and Jim out in the evenings to check cattle and enjoy the land. He found great joy in fatherhood and worked hard to make time for his children.
Kelly was a lifelong farmer and rancher and entrepreneur - including over 10 years in manufacturing agricultural equipment. He enjoyed restoring vintage John Deere tractors and maintaining a cow-calf herd later in life. He remained involved in the community as a volunteer for the Lane County Republicans and as a proud sponsor for others through Alcoholics Anonymous. Kelly celebrated 23 years of sobriety and lived that milestone with humility and pride.
Baptized just days before his passing, on June 21, 2025, Kelly left this world surrounded by the same family, land, and values that had shaped his life. He was a great storyteller, a proud grandfather, and a man who never met a task too large.
Kelly is preceded in death by his daughter Katie Lovelace; his parents, Dennis and Anna; and siblings Mary Lovelace, Denise Kellenbeck, John Lovelace, and Harry Lovelace.
He is survived by his older sister, Leta Neiederhieser, his baby brother Bill Lovelace, daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Russ Robbins of Pleasant Hill; his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Lauren Lovelace of Molalla; and his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Thomas and Emily Robbins, Peyton (6), Paisley (3), and Ryan (1); Kari and Vincent Weaver, Kelsey (1); and Levi Robert Lovelace (1). He is also survived by his former spouse of 27 years, Janet Lovelace.
A private family burial will be held at the Jesse Applegate Pioneer Historical Cemetery on July 18.
A Celebration of Life for friends and family will follow on Saturday, July 19, at 11:00 AM at the Robbins Family Farm at 35436 Buena Vista Rd, Creswell. Please RSVP to Jim Lovelace at jim@nwtransplants.com.
Guests are invited to wear casual attire and bring stories or photos to share. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to Jim Lovelace at jim@nwtransplants.com.
Memorial contributions in Kelly's honor may be made to the Oregon FFA Association or the Jesse Applegate Pioneer Historical Cemetery