Melva Campbell

Melva Iris Campbell (nee Huseby), 89, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior, surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Melva loved horses, her family, and most importantly, Jesus. She was generous, loving, and a missionary at heart. She was the rock and matriarch of her family and had no qualms about taking charge and laying down the law.

Melva was born April 10, 1936, in Steele, North Dakota, to her parents Oscar and Eva Huseby. She was a big sister dedicated to caring for her five sisters and a brother. She was a farm girl and grew up riding horses and helping her dad around the farm.

One Melva’s life radiated the love of Jesus. As a child, she was confirmed in the Lutheran church, but it wasn’t until she attended a revival meeting with a high school boyfriend that she met Jesus as her personal savior. From that moment forward, she made a particular effort to share God’s Love with the world.

Melva always had a sharp mind and loved to learn, especially about the bible. After graduating from Simms High School in 1954, she attended classes in Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta, Canada and Multnomah Bible Institute in Oregon. She graduated from Montana Institute of the Bible in Billings, Montana. Melva continued to be an avid reader and used her knowledge as a Sunday school teacher and Bible study leader.

After graduating from MIB, Melva worked as a dorm mother at Sunshine Bible Academy in Miller, South Dakota. As a favorite dorm mother, Melva got to know the rowdy Campbell family, and when Milton Campbell suggested that she get to know his older brother, Donnie, she declared that she wanted nothing to do with those Campbells. However, God had other plans; when Melva and Don finally met, she changed her mind and fell in love. Don and Melva were married on December 29, 1961.

Melva and Don were deeply devoted to one another and had an exemplary and beautiful marriage. Together, they had two cherished daughters - Lauree and Karey. Her family says that she “ran a tight ship” and that she cared well for her family. She loved her time as a “ranch wife” – working on ranches in Montana and Nevada. Melva loved horses and working cattle and always having a pot of coffee and a cookie to give to those working on the ranch.

Melva was also famous for her operatic soprano voice. As a small girl, she began singing at neighborhood parties, and in high school and college, she sang in choral competitions and on radio broadcasts. She continued singing throughout her life - in church, in countless weddings and funerals with her good friend, Carol, and as Mother Superior in a community production of The Sound of Music.

Melva and her husband were some of the founding members and a pillar of Lolo Community Church in Lolo, Montana. She taught Sunday school and led countless women to Christ in women’s Bible studies. Melva always found ways to serve - making potato salad and cookies for every funeral dinner and meal train, filling communion trays, and folding church bulletins - not because she was asked to, but because she saw a need and wanted to help. More than her physical acts of service, Melva was a constant encourager to her church family. A big sister or auntie to anyone who needed it, she made sure everyone was welcome at church.

Melva is survived and dearly missed by her daughter Lauree Barry (Steve), her two grandchildren Abby Martin and Seth Martin (Katrina), and her three great-grandchildren Elliot, Josie, and Annalee. Her absence will also be felt by her two sisters, Lois Ray and Ruby Willey. She will be missed as a treasured matriarch of a large and loving extended family.

Melva experienced many losses in her life and was preceded in death by her loving husband of 38 years, Don, her daughter Karey, and her granddaughter Dusty Rose. She was also predeceased by her parents, Eva and Oscar, and her siblings, Valera, Marvel, and Ralph.

A memorial service for Melva will be held on Thursday, August 7, at 11 AM at Lolo Community Church and a graveside service at Florence-Carlton Cemetery following the memorial.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the Rocky Mountain Bible Mission or Camp Utmost.