Tolbert Dee Lovelady

In Loving Memory of Tolbert Lovelady

Tolbert Dee Lovelady passed away on October 17, 2026, at the age of 70. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith in Jesus, his love for his family, his generous spirit, and his wonderful sense of humor.

Tolbert was born in Marysville, California, to Ruby and Millard Lovelady. He was one of 13 children. He spent his early years as a migrant farm worker before his family eventually settled in Banks and Buxton, Oregon. This humble beginning is what helped shape the hardworking, devoted man he would become.

During high school, Tolbert met Mary Jo, the love of his life. They married November 29, 1974, and together created a life they were proud of, filled with family and faith.

Tolbert attended Bible school in Los Gatos, California. He served as pastor for 40 years with the majority of those years serving as pastor of River of Life Fellowship Church in Seaside, OR. Alongside his ministry, he worked as a painter and tradesman.

Tolbert had an endlessly generous heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. He was kind, funny, and rarely without a joke or a story to share. He loved a good conversation over a strong cup of coffee and had a way of making people feel welcome through his humor, warmth, and genuine care for others. Whether serving his church, helping a neighbor, or spending time with family, he lived out his faith through the way he treated people.

To his family, he was Papa; a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His life touched many through his ministry, his diligence, and his willingness to show up for others.

Above all, he treasured his family. The lessons he shared, stories he told, and laughter he brought into their lives will continue to be passed down through generations.

Tolbert is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jo Lovelady; his children, Sharlene (Ryan) Sunnell, Andrea (Todd) Newton, Alicia (Tim) Ferguson, Melissa (Joshua) Archibald, and David (Raina) Lovelady, Hung (Tu) Doung; his grandchildren, Samuel Sunnell, Ryanne (Gavin) Kunkle, Izac (Trista) Ferguson, Elijah (Ana) Ferguson, Hannah Ferguson, Joshua Newton, Joseph (Paige) Newton, Jessica (Braden) Montgomery, Skyler, Abraham, Maximus, and Oswald Archibald, Tolbert and James Lovelady, Emma (Chad) Meyer, Daniel and Ethan Doung; and his great-grandchildren, Avery, Autumn, and Gavin Ferguson, and Charlotte Kunkle.

Tolbert leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, dedication, and love. His family will miss his stories, his jokes, and the conversations shared around the table, but they will carry his memory with them in the everyday moments that remind them of him.

He is deeply loved, and his influence will live on in the family he cherished, the people he served, and everyone whose life he touched.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our Papa.