Merle Campbell

HELEN MERLE CAMPBELL was born on October 14, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Cora Houser, the first of two children. Her father, John, was a pastor serving in Illinois and Nebraska before moving to Marshall, Minnesota, where Merle’s brother, John T. Houser, was born. During this time Merle trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. In 1935 the family moved to Minneapolis where Merle graduated from North High School. Merle enrolled at Augsburg College in Minneapolis in 1941, just months before Pearl Harbor Day, later transferring to Wheaton College in Illinois, then back to Augsburg to graduate in 1947. She taught high school in Cokato, Minnesota, and at Salem Academy in Oregon. Merle showed talent for the piano early in life and played in school events and for church services. On June 18, 1948, Merle was united in marriage to Roy Campbell at Lebanon, Oregon. They lived in Minnesota, Dallas, Texas, and Salem while Roy pursued his education following service in the Navy during World War II. Two children were born during their pastorate in Monmouth: Mark and Clark. The family also lived in Pleasant Home, OR, and in 1963 moved to Roseburg to pastor the First Conservative Baptist Church (now Wellspring Bible Fellowship). Angelique was born their first year in Roseburg. In addition to making a home, mothering her children, and serving as a very active pastor’s wife, in 1965 Merle returned to teaching when the local community college president asked her to join the faculty and teach English. This became a 23 year career at Umpqua Community College. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and retired from teaching in 1988. A notable ministry for Merle was initiating and leading Prayer Breakfast for high school students Tuesday mornings at 7:00 AM, hosted in her home. Over 100 Roseburg students participated weekly, responding to her warmth and devotion to Christ. Merle also loved to travel, assisting Roy with leading three trips to the Holy Land. Following Roy’s stroke in 1996, Merle stayed at his side, providing constant care and support. In 2004 they moved to a Newberg retirement center. Following Roy’s death in 2005, Merle resided in various care facilities, most recently Marquis Care of Newberg where fantastic care was provided. Merle was preceded in death by her parents, and by her husband, Roy. She is survived by two sons, Mark (Shelley) Campbell of Newberg, OR, and Clark (Donell) Campbell of Fullerton, CA; one daughter, Angelique Crown-Grey (Dan) of Rancho Mirage, CA; one brother, John T. (Barbara) Houser of Lacey, WA; one sister-in-law, Ellen Point of Buffalo, MN; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three nephews; and two nieces. Merle entered Jesus’ presence on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at age 94. A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 12th, at Wellspring Bible Fellowship, 2245 NW Kline St, Roseburg, OR 97471. Interment is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Friday, July 13th, at Roseburg National Cemetery, 1770 Harvard Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470. All are welcome to attend these services. Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International. Arrangements made by Attrell’s Funeral Chapels. Please see attrells.com for additional information.

Merle Campbell

October 14, 1923 - June 27, 2018