Russell S Loveless

Russell S. Loveless, age 69, passed away on June 20, 2025, in Provo, Utah.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Loveless; his children Raschel, Amber, Christy, and Ryan; his grandchildren Keilani, Jimmy, McCoy, Max, Aleah, Keli'i, and Flora; and his siblings Jesse, Shirleen, Boyd, and Tony. He is preceded in death by his parents, Shirley Ray and Myrleen Smith Loveless.
Russ was born on October 3, 1955, in Provo, Utah. He grew up working hard on the family farm, where he learned the value of diligence, self-reliance, and responsibility from an early age.
He graduated from Orem High School in 1974, where he excelled in wrestling and met his future wife. Shortly after graduation, Russ served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Oakland, California, and Porto Alegre, Brazil Missions-an experience that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He always had a soft spot for young missionaries preparing to serve.
An adventurer at heart, Russ worked as a river guide on the Colorado River, navigating many of the most challenging rapids in the world. On April 22, 1977, he married his high school sweetheart Cheryl Ann Abegg in the Provo Utah Temple. He earned a degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University in 1978.
In 1981, Russ accepted a position at the Amoco Whitney Canyon Gas Refinery in Wyoming. He and Cheryl raised their family in Woodruff, Utah, until 1991 when they returned to Provo to be closer to family. Russ continued to work at Amoco (later BP) until his retirement in 2007 after 27 years of service.
Russ was a man of ambition and grit. He took pride in working hard-owning and managing several apartment properties and continuing the legacy of the family's peach orchard. Known fondly as the neighborhood "peach man," he loved to slice open a ripe peach and hand it to you, confident it was the best you'd ever taste.
He was happiest outdoors-rafting, hiking, hunting, fishing, and riding his ATV. He especially cherished time spent on elk hunts with family-four generations together in the mountains. He relished adventure, from the thrill of bear hunting to the satisfaction of hauling in a 200+ pound halibut on an Alaska fishing trip.
Russ was dependable and prepared. If he said he'd be there, he'd be there-and on time. He could always be counted on to lend a hand, whether you needed help out of a bind or a hole dug with his tractor. His trusty Leatherman was always in his pocket, ready for anything.
Though he could seem gruff at times, those who knew him saw the tender heart beneath the surface. He sincerely strove to be a good husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. Later in life, Russ continued to live a life of faith and service, including two service missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.He had a tender spot for the elderly, especially widows in the neighborhood and in his church community, and he quietly made sure they were looked after and cared for.
Our hearts ache at his passing, but we are deeply grateful for his unwavering love, strength, and dedication. He worked tirelessly to provide for and protect those he loved, and his legacy will live on in all of us.
A public viewing will take place on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 E 800 North, Orem, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4300 N Canyon Road, Provo Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 9:45 AM.
Interment in East Lawn Memorial Hills, 4800 North 650 East, Provo, Utah.
A webcast of the funeral service will be available at www.walkersanderson.com