What is the chief end of man? According to the Westminster Catechism, it is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This is how Leone Campbell lived and how she died.
Sarah Leone King was born to Leonard and Essie King on December 5, 1925, in Clay County, Kansas. Leonard and Essie raised Leone and her dear sister, Ruby, during difficult days, including the Great Depression and Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Despite extreme hardships, Leonard and Essie’s adventurous, fun-loving spirit and abiding faith in God inspired their daughters’ love of laughter, love of life, and love of Jesus Christ.
Leone attended Miltonvale (Kansas) High School and then Marion College (Indiana Wesleyan University), where she sang in the College Choir, graduated with a degree in art education, and met her husband, Ralph Campbell. Leone and Ralph were married on August 29, 1948, in Topeka, Kansas. Leone and Ralph loved and were loved by their friends at Concordia Wesleyan Church and Minneapolis Free Methodist Church. Leone and Ralph’s marriage was cut short by his sudden passing. Leone treasured her 38 years with Ralph and proudly considered herself “Mrs. Ralph Campbell” for her remaining 38 years. She considered Ralph her prince, lovingly expressed by the sign she made to hang on their patio–“Camelot”.
In 1989, three years following Ralph’s passing, Leone moved to Marion. She loved her Country Lake Estates neighbors and greatly valued her friends and the fellowship at College Wesleyan Church. Leone’s love of beauty, displayed in nature, art, and music, was an inspiration to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Leone died quietly in her home on April 18, 2024, where she had been lovingly cared for by her daughter, friend, Faith Brenneman, and staff of Stillwater Hospice.
Leone is survived by her children: Ron (Joni) Campbell, Naples, FL; Jon Campbell, Brooksville, FL; Debra (Jim) Luttrull, Marion; and Steve (Nancy) Campbell, Sabetha, KS; grandsons, Ryan (Connie) Campbell, Gabriel (Jessi) Campbell, Lucas (Charlotte) Campbell, Andrew (Kate) Luttrull, Daniel (Danielle) Luttrull, and Peter (Lindsay) Luttrull; granddaughters, Angela (J.J.) Sheffer, Shannon Campbell, Nicolle (Trent) Eilert, Andrea (Brian) Springer, and Bethany (Wyatt) Wirges; sister, Ruby (Darrell) Wagner, Rapid City, SD; and 36 great-grandchildren, who live in North Dakota, New Mexico, Nebraska, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana, Florida, and Australia.
Leone was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.
The family will receive visitors from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Leone’s life will begin at 4:00 pm with Pastors Steve DeNeff and Ethan Linder officiating. Later this year, Leone will be laid to rest next to Ralph in Miltonvale, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be directed to College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, IN 46953.
Arrangements entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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