Barbara Carol Campbell Smith

1954 – 2026

Barbara Carol Campbell Smith, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, caregiver, and faithful servant, passed away peacefully at home on March 30, 2026, at the age of 71.

Barb was born in 1954 to Mary Elizabeth Kanz Campbell and Bernard Bruce Campbell. She grew up in several Minnesota communities and graduated from Greenville High School in Cohasset, Minnesota. Guided by her deep compassion for others, she pursued a future in healthcare, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree and later a Bachelor of Arts in Missions.

In 1976, Barb married the love of her life, James Kenneth Smith. Together they built a life rooted in faith, service, and family.

Barb was a devoted mother to Joseph Smith (Amanda Smith) and Dana Jean Ellingson (Craig Ellingson), and a proud grandmother to seven cherished grandchildren: Rylee (21), Payton (20), Ashlee (18), Taylor (18), Jameson (11), Norah (9), and Odin (8).

Throughout her nursing career, Barb cared for countless individuals in medical facilities across Indiana, Minnesota, and Tennessee. She also served on staff at Johnson Bible College in Kimberly Heights, Tennessee, working as the campus nurse; a role that blended her medical expertise with her heart for ministry.

Her compassion for children was at the center of her life. Barb worked as a toddler teacher, served as a private nanny, and later became a licensed in-home family child care provider. She was honored as Minnesota Childcare Provider of the Year, a recognition of her exceptional dedication to nurturing young children and supporting families.

Barb and her husband faithfully served in ministry across many communities, including their time in Outlook, Saskatchewan, Canada, where they served together as mission ministers.

In her personal life, Barb found joy in simple, meaningful pleasures. She loved watching birds, was an avid reader, and tended her gardens with care and delight.

Barb will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous heart, and lifelong dedication to serving others. She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

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