Ruth Ver Meulen ’53 Campbell

Ruth VerMeulen Campbell, age 92, of Knoxville, TN, passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2024.
Ruth was born on June 16, 1931 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Willard Brandt and Wilhelmina VerMeulen. She was a graduate of Hope College in Holland, Michigan. In her early years she taught elementary education in Grand Rapids and in the Knoxville City Schools, however, her greatest joy and calling was to be a wife and mother. In addition to her dedication to her family, Ruth was an extraordinary community servant. She served on the board as president for both The Helen Ross McNabb Center and Shannondale Health Care Center. She also served on the board of The Knoxville Museum of Art and was vice chair of the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission. She was a leader in the Junior League of Knoxville, and a long-time member of 2nd Presbyterian Church where she served in many roles, including as an elder.
Ruth is survived by the love of her life and husband of 68 years, Robert Roe Campbell, to whom she was fiercely devoted; children, Robert Roe Campbell (Susan) of Nashville, TN, Willard Brandt Campbell of Knoxville, TN, and Cady Campbell Wilson (Mike) of Franklin, TN; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, all of whom she loved and adored. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and a seemingly endless group of friends with whom she stayed in constant contact and to whom she was deeply devoted.