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Ruth Marion Wisdom Campbell died after a short illness on January 14, 2022, in Vero Beach, Florida. Ruth was born on June 17, 1922 in Gainesville, Georgia. Shortly thereafter, her family relocated to Tampa, Florida, where she lived throughout her childhood. She graduated from Plant High School, Tampa, where among her many activities, she was a member of the cheerleading squad. She attended Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University), graduating with a degree in Political Science. She was a member of the sorority Kappa Delta, where she made friendships that lasted a lifetime.
She met and married LTJG Joseph F. Campbell, USN during World War II while LT Campbell was stationed in Florida. Ruth and Joe remained married for 63 years until his death in 20007. After Tampa, Joe’s career took the growing family to Baldwin, New York; Longview, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Garden City, New York; Fayetteville, New York; Rocky River, Ohio; Garden City again, and finally, retirement in Vero Beach, Florida. During those years, Ruth served as Cub Scout Leader, Brownie mother, Little League mom, football and baseball coach, dance and gymnastics critic, head chef and disciplinarian, and was the center of all family life. Ruth also embraced her new role as a lifetime fan of all things Notre Dame.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents Ruth Marion Wisdom and Louis Wisdom, Sr., brothers Louis Wisdom, Jr. and LT John W. Wisdom, USAAF, and husband Joseph F. Campbell, Sr., and survived by children Joseph, Jr., (Erika), John (Sally), Edward (Sharon) and Katherine Logan (Douglas). Ruth is also survived by nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Ruth was defined by her service and her faith. She was a Founding Member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach, a long-time member of the Holy Cross Women’s Guild and for more than 40 years, a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, where she counseled many to a better life.
Due to the current pandemic, services and burial at John’s Island will be private. Sometime in the future as events allow, there will be a Celebration of Life for Ruth. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your charity of choice in Ruth’s memory.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
lj Wilson - Friend
January 18, 2022, 3:10 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Ruth will be missed by countless many, me included. She was an inspiration for my life. I will always be grateful for her example of good will and kindness towards others; her ability to remain true to her values while gently offering acceptance and tolerance. And l will always try to remember her experience earned wisdom and advice. I feel so grateful to have known Ruth.
Regina and David Ward - Acquaintance
January 20, 2022, 1:53 pm
Ruth and Joe, were endearing friends with my mother Anne Smith and Matthew Smith for decades. We gathered together for Masses, Christmas house parties, and dining. Mother passed in June and I’ve a beautiful 90th Birthday treasure book of Ruth that I found on mother’s shelf. We are grateful for our parents’ long fulfilling lives and contributions to our great city and country. We will purchase a Mass intention for Ruth and Joe for next June at Holy Cross.
Dick & Margaret - neighbor at Sea Watch
January 23, 2022, 2:28 pm
We knew Ruth for many years. Enjoyed seeing her and chatting at get togethers in the condo club room. Dick and Margaret McDermott, Sea Watch.
Dick & Margaret McDermott - neighbor at Sea Watch
January 23, 2022, 5:21 pm
We knew Ruth for many years. Enjoyed happy times chatting in the club room at the condo. Her photograph is just as we remember her in her later life.
Eugene O'Neill - Friend
January 23, 2022, 8:13 pm
Very sorry on Mrs. Campbell’s passing. She and Joe were early pillars of Holy. Ross Church. They were such nice folks.
Sally Campbell - Daughter-in-law
January 29, 2022, 2:46 am
We LOVE AND MISS YOU, MOM, OMA, RUTH.
The broken chain:
In life we loved you dearly,
In death, we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn’t go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide.
And although we cannot see yqu,
You are always by our side:
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.