Grandpa Lovell ~1919-2010~

George Lloyd Lovell, 91, of Ririe, died at his home Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010.
Born Aug. 16, 1919, the second child of George Hyrum and Harriett Borrowman Lovell, he was raised on a farm in Ririe, where duties began at an early age. By age 8, he had mastered harnessing the horse team for digging potatoes using a block and tackle to hoist them into place. George became "man of the house" at the age of 15 when his father was disabled by a heart attack.
George enjoyed giving trumpet performances and was valedictorian of his class. His father's death necessitated forgoing his dream of education and dropping out of college to manage the farm and provide the opportunity for his siblings. He determined to provide that for his children also.
During his days at Ricks College, George courted and married Amber Grover of Ririe in 1942 in the Salt Lake Temple. They returned to the farm to raise their eight children.
George enjoyed being an early adopter of newer farming methods, and prided himself in maximizing productivity. He enjoyed farming with brother Rendon and family, and many wonderful employees. He took great pride beautifying his farmyard with lawns and flowers, and teaching his family the blessings of working together. They expanded to provide support and entertainment for their growing family. The "Triple L Ranch" became a site of numerous reunions, church, and community gatherings. He was named to the East Idaho Agricultural Hall of Fame and as an Outstanding Alumnus of Ricks College.
George served the LDS community for 30 years as a bishop, East Rigby Stake president and in the Idaho Pocatello Mission presidency. He and Amber spent their only years out of the Ririe area presiding over the Texas Dallas mission from 1973 to 1976. He treasured friendships created during those years of service. He became an accomplished speaker and was honored to speak at numerous memorials and church events.
George is survived by his daughters, Deon (Winston) Larsen of Rexburg, LaRae (Clyde) Cook of Ririe; sons Robert (Brenda) Lovell of Riverton, Utah, Gary (Carolee) Lovell of Rexburg, J. Kreed (Carolyn) Lovell of Henderson, Nev., Lynn (Blynne) Lovell of Higley, Ariz., Ron (Tammy) Lovell of Ririe and Theron (Kim) Lovell of Queen Creek, Ariz.; sisters Lois (Jack) Parry of Idaho Falls and Myrna (Kenneth) Hamilton of Idaho Falls, 48 grandchildren and 94 great-grandchildren.
George is preceded in death by his wife, Amber; daughter Alice; great-grandchild Issac Timothy Lovell; brothers Ray and Rendon Lovell; and one sister, Leah Cleverly.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, Oct. 4, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the Ririe Stake Center with President Mark Lovell conducting. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., both at the stake center. Burial will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.