Karen Sue Arthur Campbell, age 65, wife of Frank B. "Ted" Campbell died June 5, 2016 in Rockville, Maryland.  Mrs. Campbell was born in Phoenix, Arizona on April 21, 1951, a daughter of Leonard Arthur, and Mary Arthur nee Vitkovich, who were both Arizona natives. Her Father had been born in Phoenix and her Mother in Globe Arizona. Karen’s family moved to their north Phoenix address soon after she was born and she had the great benefit of living in the same neighborhood for the vast majority of her life. Because of this, she made close friends with her neighbors, especially three other girls her age. These four women remained very close, life-long, friends and kept up communications and reunions to this very day.

Karen was an exceptional student throughout school and became a National Merit Scholar. She entered the University of Arizona after High School and pledged the Arizona Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. After a break from College, in December 1971 she married a young Air Force pilot and, along with him, took up a very different life style. Moves to New Mexico and Germany led the Campbell’s back to Arizona where Karen entered Arizona State University and completed her degree with a Bachelor’s of Science Magna Cum Laude in 1981. 

From there the Campbell’s moved to Virginia to take a job in the Pentagon, Washington DC. Soon followed a year in Newport, Rhode Island, Las Vegas, Nevada, back to New Mexico and then to the Pentagon again. Karen was a leader in her Air Force Communities having managed major charities and leading numerous support groups. Increasingly her personal charities leaned more to animal welfare and rescue. After extended Pentagon and Langley, Virginia tours, she found herself back in her beloved Tucson Arizona where she and Ted hoped to stay. But that had a short stint as she was once again back in Washington DC Pentagon environs. Karen made lasting friendships throughout her Air Force tours and continued them until her unfortunate early departure. Many of those friends are the very ones supporting her today.

Karen rescued many animals and gave them homes throughout her life. During her life she had birds, reptiles, dogs and cats. One of the most memorable examples was an entire litter of kittens (6) that were born under the old Nellis AFB Officers Club. Those cats were members of the Campbell household until the end of their natural life and they move four times.

Early in her travels, Karen became increasingly interested in art and opera. Most of her friends identify her with both of these today. She was an avid collector of Native American contemporary painting and Native American art. She has an impressive collection of both. She also became an avid attendee of Opera at Santa Fe New Mexico and for many years went every summer. She also encouraged her husband to join her as a season ticket holder of the Washington National Opera and for almost twenty years they attended the entire season there.

After Ted’s retirement from the Air Force, the Campbell’s moved to Darnestown, Maryland. There Karen was able to dedicate herself to two of her major life’s loves: gardening and animals. She became a dedicated member of the local Garden Club and was pursuing a Master Gardener’s certification. She put her heart and soul into her trees at our home. She also worked at the Quince Orchard Veterinary Clinic for several years where she made lifelong friends in the animal care community. They continue to be our best friends today. She also continued to rescue many animals and they live in our home today.

Karen loved nature and all God’s creations. She respected all life and was a “near-vegetarian” for most of her life. She took great care of what she ate and exercised intently. Up until her disease, most of her friends believed she was the healthiest, most disciplined person they had ever met.

Karen was loved by all who knew her and was a good good friend to those close to her. She was a wonderful wife and exemplary citizen. We all are very sad to see her leave us so soon.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Aynor Cemetery with Rev. Joyce Murphy officiating.

Sign an online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com

Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of arrangements.