She was raised in and around Pine Bluffs, Wyoming. In September 1958, she came to Lincoln and graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1962. She taught first grade at Huntington Elementary School in Lincoln for 4 years, and then had the privilege of being a stay-at-home-mom for 8 years. In 1974 she began working part time at Bankers Life Nebraska, later known as Ameritas Life Insurance. She began working full time in December 1996. She retired in 2010 after working in total 37 years at Ameritas.
On June 30, 1963 she was married to Benjamin Taylor Lovell of York. They became the parents of Melanie in 1966 and Megan in 1969. They were blessed with four grandchildren, Jessica and Nicholas Kuenning and Taylor and Elise Darlington.
She became a member of the Pine Bluffs Methodist Church in 1952, and St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in 1964. In 1968, she began singing in the St. Mark’s choir and sang until about 2023. While at St. Marks she wore many hats and participated in numerous roles over these 60+ years; A few being choir, Sweet Praise, nursery coordinator, fellowship group, Mary’s Circle, UMW, Craft Fair co-chair, and Genesis quilting (she designed 2 of the 3 quilts hanging in the hall).
Justine was preceded in death by husband Ben. Mom is survived by daughters Melanie Kuenning, and Megan (David) Darlington; grandchildren Jessica (Dillon) Doeden, Nick Kuenning, Taylor (Sarah) Darlington, and Elise (Trevor) Smith, and 4 great grandchildren; Harper, Conner, Elara, and Archie. Her sister, Sharon, and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church at 8550 Pioneers Blvd in Lincoln.
Memorials for Justine will be designated to St. Marks United Methodist Church in Lincoln.