Mrs. Ruby Johnson Campen

Ruby Campen, 95, of Fayetteville, beloved sister, aunt, and friend died on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at home with her family.

Ms. Campen was the oldest child of the late Douglas and Johnnie Johnson of Elizabethtown, NC.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 21 years, Hal Grey Campen who died in 1967.  Ruby never remarried and considered Hal Grey her husband eternally.  

Ruby was a graduate of Worth Business College in Fayetteville.  She worked at Fort Bragg for thirty-one years in various administrative positions of increasing responsibility.  For the final twenty-two years of her career she served as secretary to the Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg.  She served fourteen commanders over this period and had Top Secret clearance.

She served in this position with distinction.  In 1977 she was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award.  This award is the second highest honor that can be bestowed upon a civilian by the Secretary of the Army and is comparable to the Military Legion of Merit.

After her retirement she volunteered at Highsmith Hospital for twenty years and was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 2002.  In 1995 she was named Outstanding Senior Citizen by the Cross Creek Chamber of Commerce.

Ruby was an integral member of Highland Presbyterian Church since she and her husband became members of the congregation in 1947.  She served as an elder and deacon for several terms, church historian for sixteen years, member of the Ada West Bible Class, co-chair of the Church directory twice, member of the Pastoral Committee twice, as well as being active in many other church activities.  In recognition of her long and dedicated service to Highland she was named an Elder Emeritus by the Session.

Ms. Campen is survived by her sister, Merle Hayes and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins who looked to Ruby as an important loving influence in their lives.  Ruby’s three brothers, Wilton, Jimmy, and Andy preceded her in death, but their widows, Almira Johnson, Dorothy Barnes, and Peggy Johnson, respectively, remained dear to Ruby as sisters.  Ruby also enjoyed lasting relationships with her late husband’s siblings and their children.

Ruby lived alone most of her adult life, but never seemed to be lonely.  She said if you are thinking and doing for others you don’t have time for self-pity or loneliness.  Her life truly reflected those sentiments.  Ruby had a good sense of humor, a compassionate heart, and a positive attitude.  She enjoyed the gift of life, and all those who knew her are glad she was here.  Ruby will be greatly missed!

Visitation will be on Tuesday May 5th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service, 610 Ramsey Street in Fayetteville.  Following a private burial service at Lafayette Memorial Park, there will be a celebration of Ruby Campen’s life held at Highland Presbyterian Church on 111 Highland Avenue at 12 noon on Wednesday May 6th.  Dr. Ernie Johnson will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Ruby Campen’s memory to Highland Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sullivanshighland.com

Service are entrusted to Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service, and Crematory, of Fayetteville, NC.