Ora Lovely

A gentle, gracious, and humble woman, Ora Lovely was a blessing to those around her. With an unwavering faith as the compass she used to guide her steps, she inspired all who were within her reach through her selfless acts of service and her complete love and devotion to the ones she loved. Ora was blessed to share much of her life with her true love with whom she witnessed her family tree blossom to include numerous branches of loves ones who were her greatest source of pride and joy. Filled with a quiet strength and a graceful courage, she faced whatever came her way armed with her faith and the love of her family. A loving wife, devoted mother, doting grandmother, and forever friend, Ora will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know and love her.

With the end of WWI in 1918, America was recognized as a world leader for the first time and poised for greatness. We did not disappoint as the 1920s were a time of innovation, advancement, and prosperity when radios, washing machines, and motion pictures in both color and sound were signs of the time. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1924 that was filled with great joy for a young couple from Mariba, Kentucky, as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby girl on August 6th. Ora was the fifth of seven children born to her parents, Henry Clay and Mary (Phipps) Hughes, and she was raised in the family home on an 80 acre farm alongside her siblings, Raymond, Arbie, Dorothy, Carma, Edna, and Reese. A typical young girl of her generation, she was raised in the Church of God and attended a one-room schoolhouse. As was common during this time, Ora walked back and forth to school and church.

Life was forever changed for Ora when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Jack Lovely, and they met when she came in to eat at the small restaurant that he was running at the time. A relationship was born, and it was soon after that they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Ora and Jack were married on September 10, 1948, in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. Shortly thereafter, the newlyweds moved to Michigan, and it was there that they raised their four children: Marsha, David, George, and Roger. Ora completely devoted her days to raising her children and was an extraordinary homemaker. Her cooking skills were fantastic, and everyone loved her country breakfast of biscuits and gravy, and her spaghetti and meatballs as well as her cakes and pies for every holiday were also among the family favorites. Ora was in all her glory when her family was all gathered around. Later in life she was thrilled to become a grandmother, and one of the things she loved most was teaching them to make country foods.

Although her family was always first and foremost in her life, Ora enjoyed keeping busy with other things, too. She was a crossing guard and a greenhouse keeper as well. For the most part Ora stayed close to home, but she sure worked hard there, too, as they enjoyed beekeeping for the fresh honey, and she also kept a large garden. A woman of faith, she was a longtime member of Faith Baptist Church in Mattawan for over 30 years. For several years there was always a dog around the Lovely home that was like an additional member of the family. Not only did she have fresh produce like beans and tomatoes, but she also canned some of her produce. She didn’t have much time off, but when she did Ora enjoyed reading cookbooks, listening to classic country music like Jim Reeves and gospel quartet music. Ora enjoyed keeping her mind active with puzzles, working outside in her flowers, and going for walks.

All who knew Ora Lovely would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was lovingly stoic and tough while also being tender and gracious. With her overall warm demeanor, Ora drew others near with ease, and her zest for life was contagious. A dear woman to many, Ora will never be forgotten.

Ora Lovely, of Paw Paw, died November 4, 2014 at Plainwell Pines Nursing Center. Members of Ora’s family include 4 children: Marsha Lovely, David (Holly) Lovely, George (Rita) Lovely and Roger Lovely; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Ora was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Lovely, and by her 6 siblings: Raymond, Arbie, Dorothy, Carma, Edna and Reese. Members of her family include 4 children: Marsha Lovely, David (Holly) Lovely, George (Rita) Lovely and Roger Lovely; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Visit with Ora’s family and friends on Friday from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 375-2900 where services will be held Saturday 11:00 AM, with Ora's son, Pastor George Lovely officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. EverRest Cemetery. Please visit Ora’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church.