Barbara Ruth Campbell

Barbara Ruth Campbell, age 80, born on September 9, 1945, in Merced, California, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, in Gillette, Wyoming. She was the daughter of William Arthur Campbell and Emma Margarite Campbell. She grew up in Planada, California, where some of her fondest childhood memories came from chasing her older sister with horned toads they had caught. She graduated from Chowchilla High School in 1963.

A loyal friend, sister, devoted mother, proud grandmother affectionately known as “Nana,” Barbara was deeply cherished by those who knew her. She worked as a telephone operator for 23 years before serving another 17 years as a receptionist at Mercy Hospital in Merced. After retiring, she moved to Gillette, Wyoming, to be closer to her grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored.

Barbara poured every ounce of her energy into raising her children and making sure they did not become another statistic despite the adversity they faced as a family. No matter how hard times became, she trusted God and His plan for their lives. She taught her children to dream big and believed in them fiercely—always their biggest cheerleader, every step of the way.

Barbara’s life was defined by selfless, unwavering love. She always put her children and grandchildren first, even when it meant going without herself. She was a wonderful listener who offered steady, heartfelt advice no matter the circumstance. Her strong faith guided her daily life; she loved Jesus deeply and spent countless hours praying for both loved ones and strangers alike. She was her family’s quiet, powerful prayer warrior.

Barbara loved to reminisce about her beloved blue 1964½ Ford Mustang — a car she adored until her dad took it away for too many speeding escapades. Between that Mustang and her yellow 1969 Pontiac Firebird, she spent many nights drag racing on local streets, quickly earning a reputation for being hard to beat. She loved drive-in movies, fast cars, and oldies music, all of which stayed close to her heart throughout her life.

Barbara brought joy wherever she went. She made the people she loved feel special, valued, and heard. She adored cheering on her grandchildren in all their activities, from hockey to hunting, always eager to hear every detail of their adventures.

Barbara passed after a courageous battle with a rare form of liver cancer while in hospice care at The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette. Her family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at CCH Hospice, Legacy, and Billings Clinic for helping her feel at peace.

Even while on her deathbed, Barbara was stoic. She remained the strong one, holding everything together as her loved ones came to terms with the finality of her passing. Her legacy will be her love for Jesus, her compassion for others, and her deep-rooted love for her family. Her infectious smile and laugh will be greatly missed. She was grateful for cell phones and FaceTime, which allowed her to meet her great-grandson and granddaughter-in-law, moments that brought her immense joy.

She cherished her family, her friends, and the many blessings of her long, love-filled life. She will be forever missed and loved.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, William and Emma Campbell, and her sister Carol Schrole. Barbara is survived by her children, William Brinegar (Kristin), Emily Driskill (Jerrod), and Shelli Freeman, her grandchildren, Emily Allaman (Ian), Owen Brinegar (Isabella), and Will Brinegar, Caleb Driskill (Maddi), Jhett and Jase Driskill, Clint Freeman (Margo) and Caitlyn Freeman, and great grandchildren, Finn Freeman and Jack Brinegar. She also leaves behind her nephew Dan Scrole (Lisa), and niece Jamie Schrole, and numerous great nieces and nephews, and her sister Margaret Stafford (Tom).

A celebration of her life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on May 21st at The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette, Wyoming. There will also be a gathering of friends and family at a later date along the beaches near Monterey, California, a place she loved dearly.