C. Wendell Lovely

C. Wendell Lovely, 89, of Wilsall, Montana, passed away suddenly Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at his home. A Funeral Service will be held 1:00 P.M., on Monday, June 1st, at American Lutheran Church in Livingston, a time for viewing will be held one hour prior to the service at the Church. Graveside Committal Service and burial will be at the Wilsall Cemetery with a Masonic Service with Ned Zimmerman leading and Veterans Honors, which will be provided by Park Post #23 American Legion and Active Duty Army Honors Team. Fellowship will follow in Wilsall at the Shields Valley Elementary School. Memorials are preferred to: Shields Valley Lutheran Church, PO Box 327; Wilsall, MT 59086, Cowboy Hall of Fame, PO Box 1569; Big Timber, MT 59011 or Shields Valley Athletics, PO Box 40; Clyde Park, MT 59018. Wendell was born in Livingston, Montana on September 27, 1925 to Bryan and Clara (Hogenson) Lovely. He spent his early years at the Cottonwood School and graduated from the Wilsall High School in 1943. He then enlisted in the army. After his service, he came back to work on the family ranch. He met and married the teacher of the Cottonwood school, Norma Busby June 26, 1949. After they were married, they took over the ranch and began their family. They were blessed with three children, Janice, Larry and Cheryl. Wendell was very proud of his shorthorn cattle and was a true cow man. He and others of that era truly formed the cattle industry. Wendell judged many of the most prestigious shows in the country and in Canada. He was especially proud of judging at the Denver Stock show. He and Norma moved off the ranch in 1979. He continued to be a cattle buyer, consultant and farmed up until his death. Dad enjoyed his family, music, hunting and especially a good potluck. Dad was a member of the Park Lodge 140, Shields River Lutheran Church, Vets club, Park County Pioneers and served on the Park Electric Board for 36 years. He also served as president of the Basin Electric and on the Board of Adjustments. He also loved golf and played as long as he could. He was proud to have been inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2014. He delivered meals on wheels and truly loved the Shields Valley sports and watching all his grandchildrens events. He rarely missed a game. Wendell is survived by his: Daughter, Jan French of Hobson, her children, Sigrid (Brendan), their children, Ashton and Lauren Deegan; Garth (Kari), their children, Peyton and Olivia French, all of Hobson; Son, Larry Lovely and his wife Valerie of Wilsall, their children, Bryan (Lisa), their children, Jace and Avalyn Lovely of Puyallup, WA; Kurt (Jenny), and their son, Camden Lovely of Rogers, AR; Daughter, Cheryl Robinson, her children Jaime (Levi), their children, Kathryn and Mackinley Nelson and Eric (Juliana), their children, Abigail and Acesa Robinson all of Wilsall. Sister, Joan Kepler of Billings. Wendells extended family includes, Buck Busby, Genevieve Dorval, Willard and Norma Busby, Wanda Melin, Harriet Lovely and Irma Lovely. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 61 years, Norma Busby, his brothers, Kenneth and Orvis Lovely, sister, Patricia Peckenpaugh, grandson, Brock French, and sons-in-law, Kelly French and Russ Robinson. A Life well lived. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.