Beverly Jean Campbell (Merrick) passed away on Aug 1, 2021. On March 4,
1933, Bev was the 6th of 14 children born to Joe and Mary Merrick in Great
Falls, MT. She is survived by her children, Jean Murphy, Bonnie Ogle, Jeff
Campbell and David Campbell. As a loving and caring grandmother and great grandmother, she also leaves three grandsons, Mike Ogle, Dan (Kaleen) Murphy
and Brian (Nichole) Murphy and their 2 daughters. Bev also leaves behind her
brother, Milt Merrick of Aurora, Co. and 3 sisters, Dorothy Curry – Great Falls,
MT, Mitzi Griffin – Bozeman, MT, and Betty Taylor – Beaverhead, OR. and many
loving nieces, nephews, and sisters in law. All will miss her dearly.
Bev met Tom Campbell through family and friends, while in high school in Great Falls. They married in
1952. Tom, Bev and their children remained in Great Falls, moving the family to Helena, MT in 1969. It
was difficult for Bev to leave her family, so trips back to Great Falls were frequent. Not that anyone
minded.
The marriage brought together two fun-loving families in the Merricks and Campbells. They shared the
immense appreciation of family, friends and good old country music, since the day they met. Family
and friends continue to recall memories of the great times at gathering at the Campbell cabin in Lincoln,
MT. eventually called “Cam-Jam”, which Tom & Bev put together over the years. Bev loved to laugh,
and her laughter could be heard throughout the Cam Jam weekends, or any time family and friends
were together. She experienced healing power with a good laugh. Nothing made Bev happier than
witnessing the vast musical talent on both sides of the family, from brothers & sisters, her in-laws, her
sons, and her grandsons, of which she was extremely proud. Who wouldn’t want to be together when
you had your very own “house band” in the crew.
As the first daughter in her family, Bev was the little sister to 5 big brothers and the big sister to 8
younger siblings and she loved each-and-every one of them deeply. Bev was meant to be a mom, taking
care of her siblings when she was old enough. At gatherings, as an adult, Bev could often be found
entertaining the kids, making sure they were having just as much fun as the “grown-ups”.
Bev felt she had a “good run” and that she was ready to go at 88. She was diagnosed with cancer in
November 2020 and calling all the shots, chose to let it run its course. Cremation has taken place and
she will join Dad at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Helena, MT at a later date. No services are
planned at Bev’s request.
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Candy Savage says
Bev was truly a lovely lady and loyal wife, mother, sibling and “friend†to all. To her kids and grandkids my deep condolences. I know how much she will be missed. She was the backbone of her family. And to Dorothy and Milt especially and the rest of her siblings as well I am sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful friend to me. The obituary says it all. They can all get together again in heaven now to play their music. One day we will all be together again…cherish the precious memories. Love to all, Candy Savage and Clayton Linebarger
Jody Kalafat says
Dear Campell Family,
Our hearts are broken of the loss of your dear Mother. Loved Beverly’s stories and that laugh you could hear a mile. So enjoyed being with her at any Merrick/Kalafat celebration. May memories with your Mom console your heart and spirit.
With all our love,
Kathy, Jody, Jim, Jane and Joe Kalafat
Jody Kalafat says
Lit a candle in memory of Beverly Jean Campbell