On June 13th, 2019, Ermel R. Campbell’s loving and generous heart was no longer able to keep up with her busy life style and schedule. She now walks unlimited miles in the beautiful gardens of heaven with the love of her life, Arnie. Ermel was born in Glendive, MT on May 4, 1929 to Michael and Frances Gross. She was the 5th child of 6 siblings. Due to a medical condition, Ermel’s mother left the home when Ermel was still a toddler, which contributed to her independent, strong-willed personality and made her such a loving and dedicated mother herself.
Ermel was valedictorian of her graduating high school class in 1947 from Dawson High School. From there she moved to Ft Benton, MT and met Arnold Campbell. They married in 1950 and were great parents to 5 children and celebrated 59 years of marriage until Arnold’s death in 2009.
Ermel was from the Greatest Generation Era and lived up to the work-ethic, morals, and dedication to her family and friends. She worked in administrative positions throughout her life in Ft Benton, Great Falls, Bozeman, and Helena. She retired from Valley Bank in 1991. She then volunteered the rest of her life for various organizations to include Food Share, VA, First Lutheran Church, Lewis and Clark Election, and anyone who requested her help. She truly impressed her great grandchildren with her volunteer popcorn making skills at Hunter’s Point in her last years!
Ermel was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Frances Gross, siblings Michael Gross, Richard Gross, Geraldine Thorpe, Betty Ann Bracken, and husband Arnold Campbell. She is survived by brother Patrick Gross of Edmonds, WA; children Michael (Renee) Campbell of Lincoln, MT, Patricia (Henry) Walden of Gilbert, AZ, Debbie Harriott of Helena, MT, Edward (Merri Natucci) Campbell of Dupont, WA, and Cathy (Virgil) Kaiser of Helena, MT; as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ermel refused to attend funerals after the death of her husband, Arnie, including her own. Therefore, per her request, there will be no public funeral service. Instead, there will be a private celebration of her life with family members.
The family suggests donations to St Peters Health Hospice or the charity of your choice.
Ermel’s family would like to thank Reverend Miller of First Lutheran Church, friends and staff at Hunter’s Point, and staff at Touchmark for all the loving care given to Ermel. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Ermel.
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Mary Grantier-Smart says
My heart breaks for all of you! Sending prayers of strength and hugs to you all! I’m so very sorry!
Ann Kyte Baker says
It breaks my heart to hear that Ermel passed away. She loved you kids dearly.
Ermel was always the busy one buzzing around getting things done.
Arnie and Ermel have been reunited again and I can see the big smile on her face.
I’m so sorry for this big loss in your lives, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ann & Gary Baker
V. Raisch says
What a beautiful obituary!
When we lived in Montana years ago and I would do my evening walks,
I often would stop to rest and visit with your mother and dad
who would be on their porch enjoying the evening air.
They were so sweet and always had the most lovely flowers and yard.
May God’s promise of eternal life comfort you all
and may your many memories bring you peace.
Valerie Raisch
Mary Kuffner says
I met Ermel at Hunters Point although my mother knew her in Fort Benton. We had many fun times discussing people we knew in Fort Benton. She was so energetic, she even walked fast, and sweet. I enjoyed sitting at her table during lunch when I was there visiting my Aunt Dollie. She always enjoyed my tales from Alaska. I am so sad to hear of her passing as I was planning on visiting her when I returned to Helena this week. My hugs and sympathy go to her family and friends. She will be missed but she is happy to be with her Arnie again. God bless all.
Fyi best elk ever.
Jackie MacDonald says
So sorry to hear about the loss of Ermel, she was a hard one to keep up with. Always smiling and on the go. I had the pleasure of working with Ermel at Valley Bank and then with her and Arnie at Mountain West Bank, she kept the crew in line. I will miss seeing Ermel walking the streets of Helena, she sure was energetic. Hugs and prayers to all of Ermel’s family. God Bless.
Jackie MacDonald
Julia Stevenson & family says
To the family of Ermel.
She was a dear friend to me and my family. Memories of her and Arnie will be treasured. I am sorry for your loss. As Tom said, she was a great lady. With heartfelt sympathy.
Ellie (Mayala) Osborne says
So sorry to hear about your mom, Cathy! My heart, hugs and prayers go out to you.
Tracie Grimm says
So sorry to hear of Ermels passing. I met her at Hunter’s Pointe where she was a table mate of my mother’s. She always had a smile and a hug for me when I went to visit. In the short time I knew her she brought a lot of joy whenever we visited. She will be greatly missed.
Betty Brewer says
Ermel was an amazing woman I worked with her at Valley Bank and we reconnected at First Lutheran Church she always had a smile on her face and was always on her way to or from doing something to help others. I pray you all find peace knowing she is in Heaven with Arnie and she will watch over you always. May God Bless you all with wonderful memories
Tana Thompson says
Ermel was a dear friend to my mother, Gladine Nehus. They shared meals, friends and social activities together at Hunter’s Pointe for many years. We lost our mother earlier this year, so we know the emptiness all those who loved her now feel. Take some peace in knowing she now has many friends (like mom) to go for those walks with and share many good memories of her time here on earth with.
LARRY & BEVERLY ROBERTS says
It is with deep sadness that we learned the passing of Ermel. We have known Ermel , Arnie and family ever since they moved from Bozeman to Helena which we believe was in the late sixties. The memories that we acquired over the years will always be very special to us. Ermel never sat still, she was always on the go. The busiest woman ever and made friends with who ever she met. She always had this insatiable grin on her face. God bless! And remember Arnie and Ermel’s favorite saying MMGOOD
Michele Faure says
I worked with Ermel at Valley Bank many years ago. She was a great woman, with a sense of humor, an amazing work ethic. Condolences to the family
Walleyne Flanagan says
Although I did not know Arnie and Ermel at all, it seems that they lived exceptional lives. A new bench on the walking path in Fort Benton caught my eye – especially the placement and plaque. It sits above the “slough” and former dump site at the North End of town. On the back it reads “The Necking Place” in Memory of Arnold and Ermel Campbell. And now I know “the rest of the story”! Lives will lived.