Janice Ann Campbell

Janice Ann (Schwarberg) Campbell – a beautiful soul – is now beholding the beautiful face of her Lord and Savior. She was welcomed into His loving embrace on Sunday, August 20th, 2017 surrounded by her devoted family.

Jan was born in the shadow of the Great Depression on September 10th 1928 and joined her older brother Cliff and her parents Clifford and Anna Margaret Schwarberg in Kansas City, KS. A few years later she embraced what would become a lifetime of adventure in moving with her family across the country to begin a new chapter in Long Beach, CA.

A blind date arranged by her older brother when they were in high school brought her and the love of her life, Ralph Kain Campbell, together – literally. On the way home from their first date they were involved in a car accident that caused their heads to bump into each other. From then on it was head and heart together for the next 73 years – through ups and downs, twists and turns on life’s journey. Following a time of physical separation due to Ralph’s service in World War II and a stint in two different colleges, they were finally reunited and married on August 5th 1950. Their “romantic” honeymoon found them traveling by car across the United States so that Ralph could begin his medical school training at Yale in New Haven, CT.

Children (Sue Claire and Ken) soon enlarged their family and the adventure continued with a move to Los Angeles for Ralph’s residency in pediatrics at LA Children’s Hospital and the welcoming of their 3rd child, Lucy. In 1957 Clan Campbell relocated to Claremont, CA where Ralph began a thriving pediatric practice in Pomona and Jan invested in her family and her community. Brian came along and the family was complete – or so Ralph and Jan thought. A special blessing arrived in several years later when Nancy joined the family as the 5th and final child. On their annual summer family trip, they fell in love with Northwestern Montana and relocated in 1970 to the beautiful shores of Flathead Lake – a place they would call home together for the next 47 years.

Jan loved her family more than anything else. She was first and foremost a wife, a mother, and a doting grandmother. Few things in life made her more happy than having her whole family gathered under one roof. When she was with her grandkids, Jan would eagerly join in games, sit and read stories to them, frolic with them to Swing Era music, and mischievously sneak them a candy or two now and then. Her heart, her home, and her arms were always open wide to her family.

Others found a place of welcome with Jan too. She practiced the gift of hospitality with grace and dignity. No matter who you were there was always room for one more at Jan’s table. And, if you were alone for the holidays you could bet you’d get an invite to Jan’s Lonely Hearts Club for a sumptuous feast and warm welcome.

Jan was committed to and lived out her faith in Christ. He was at the center of her life and her marriage to Ralph. Her gracious hospitality was just one expression of her faith. She also served as a children’s choir leader and Deacon in her church. She accompanied Ralph on two different medical mission trips to Belize and Ecuador where they delivered medical care to those in need.

She loved her community as well and gave herself freely to its betterment. She was the Student Body Vice President at Redlands College and was a member of Alpha Theta Phi sorority. She also served in the Claremont Junior League, PEO, Polson Community Concert Series Board, Friends of the Library volunteer, election volunteer, Campfire Girls leader, remedial reading tutor, and was a part of numerous book and bridge clubs.

Jan loved life! She was passionate about good food, good music, beautiful flowers, staying healthy and active in the outdoors, and loving friends and family alike.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and her beloved son, Ken. Jan is survived by the her best friend and loving husband, Ralph, who will forever cherish the gift of sharing life for 73 years with his precious Jan. In addition, she is survived by her four adult children Claire (Tad), Lucy, Brian (Tricia), and Nancy (David) as well as her many grandchildren whom she adored Thea (Bob), Samantha (Pete), Jack, Lindsy, Charlie (Katie), Sean, Ben (Jenny), Jeremy, and Anna.

A service of witness to the resurrection in celebrating Jan’s life will be held this Friday, August 25th at 11:00 AM at Polson Presbyterian Church 301 4th Ave. E. Polson, MT 59860 with a luncheon reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Friends of the Library Fund.