Jeffrey R. "Jeff" Lovett

Jeff Lovett passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on July 15th.

Jeff was the cherished husband of Sandy Lovett; devoted father of Cheyann (Clayton) Boyles, Montana (Heath) Schroeder, Dakota Lovett, (Maddie Matuszewski) and Bristol Lovett; proud grandfather to Maylee, Kane and Nora whom he adored; beloved brother of Courtney (Shelly) Lovett; cherished son-in-law of Joyce Flesher; and dear brother-in-law of Doug Flesher. He was preceded in death by his parents, Terry and Joyce Lovett; his father-in-law, Bill Flesher; and his sister, Angie Scheideler (John Scheideler).

Jeff was born on September 24, 1969, in Cincinnati, Ohio. An active FFA member at Benjamin Logan High School, he developed a lifelong passion for showing cattle. He later attended The Ohio State University, ATI in Wooster, Ohio, where he earned his degree and met the love of his life, Sandy.

Jeff and Sandy were married on August 24, 1991, and shared nearly 35 years of marriage filled with love, partnership, and devotion to family. Later that year, they moved to their cattle operation in Nebraska and founded Hidden Valley Angus. Together, they built a successful Angus operation that produced numerous champion cattle at the local, state, and national levels.

A proud third-generation member of the family business, Jeff served as Vice President of Lovett & Sons Meat Packing in Hastings, Nebraska, and helped lead Hi Point Beef in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He was an active member and board member of National Meat Association frequent speaker at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Beef 101 program.

Jeff spent 22 years as a cattle buyer for American Foods Group, where he was known for his willingness and enjoyment to mentoring interns entering the industry. Most recently, he and his family relocated to Kentucky, where he served as Lead Buyer for AFG's Eastern Region. Wherever his work took him, from local sale barns to cattle markets across the nation, Jeff built lasting friendships and earned the respect of those around him.

Jeff was deeply committed to supporting youth in agriculture, serving as President of the Webster County 4-H Council and, alongside Sandy, as an advisor to the Nebraska Junior Angus Association. Most recently, he served as a judge for the National 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Competition at the North American in Kentucky.

Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Jeff's greatest pride was the family he and Sandy built together. He loved his children and grandchildren deeply and was immensely proud of each of them.

Jeff was a devoted fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Bengals and Reds. He loved gathering family and friends around the grill, where his prime rib, ribs, and brisket became legendary among those fortunate enough to enjoy them.

Jeff will be remembered for his unshakable work ethic, generous spirit, dedication to agriculture, and unwavering love and loyalty to his family. Through his mentorship, friendship, and service to others, he touched countless lives. His legacy will live on in the family he cherished, the youth he inspired, and the many friends and colleagues fortunate enough to know him.

Visitation will be 1-7 p.m. with the family present from 5-7 on Wednesday, July 22, and one hour before the service at Butler Volland Funeral Home in Hastings. Services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 23, at Butler Volland Chapel in Hastings. Burial will be at Blue Valley Cemetery in Ayr, NE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those wishing to make contributions in Jeff Ralph Lovett’s memory to do so to the Ralph S. Lovett Scholarship fund (Fund 604326) at The Ohio State University Foundation, PO Box 736096 Chicago, IL 60673. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website.