Lois Campbell

Lois Mary Hanebutt Campbell, 65, passed away in her home while sleeping on November 29, 2025. Lois battled metastatic colon cancer for the past two years.

Lois was born in Madison, Indiana on December 22, 1959. Shortly after, her family moved to Danville, Indiana, where her father was an extension agent and agronomist for Purdue University. Her mother was a schoolteacher and church organist. Both greatly influenced her pursuit of science education and music. While in high school, Lois was heavily involved in music, tennis, and student government. At Purdue, Lois enjoyed the hours spent participating in the Purdue Musical Organization and University Church.

Dr. Lois Campbell was a uniquely gifted educator. She received her Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees of Education from Purdue University. Lois was certified to teach elementary, K-12 science, special education, and reading. This unique set of credentials allowed Lois to adjust to the needs of the students and the school. As a result, Lois taught all grades during her 43-year teaching tenure – from pre-school through college graduate students. Lois had the privilege to work with students/schools in Utah, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia, and Michigan.

Often known by her students as “Dr. C”, Lois was passionate for helping all students in her classroom. Lois leaves behind a rich legacy of self-discipline, devotion, tenacity, determination, dedication, strength, courage, and abiding faith. She imparted and modeled all these qualities to all whom she taught. After announcing her decision to enter hospice, Lois and her family were sent hundreds of stories and comments including: “Dr. C was the first teacher who told me I could write. Her words of encouragement lead to 3 published books”; Lois “helped me find my voice as a high schooler, something I can't even begin to explain how much it means to me”; “She had a true gift for knowing when to push students who needed it and when to offer patience and grace to those facing challenges. She saw us as individuals and met us where we were, and that impact has stayed with me into adulthood” and how Lois “has always been a huge impact in my life!” Lois was known for her science fairs and classroom labs to help students learn science concepts. Former students often talked about the work and sense of accomplishment from these projects. Many students became interested in science, and some students became doctors, nurses, researchers, and more.

Lois was an accomplished grant writer. She worked tirelessly to write and submit grants to enable new opportunities in the schools in which she worked. These writing sessions often involved late hours and occasional work during chemotherapy and hospital visits. Lois was very proud of teaching on the Navajo Nation in Utah. She was awarded the Ohaus National Science Teaching award, and she was an applicant for the first teacher in space.

Besides a passion for teaching, Lois loved baking, quilting, and doing work for her church. Her pies and breads were prized by many. Lois frequently baked bread, muffins, and pies for community fundraisers, church dinners, and her fellow teachers. Lois made dozens of quilts – many of which were given to others. Lois was a strong leader within the church. She frequently was a reader within services, led bible studies, and participated in vocal and bell choirs. Her spirit of teaching and supporting all people was an essential part of her church leadership. As one stated, “Lois was the first person in my life who made me feel genuinely welcome as I am in a church space. Coming from a lot of hurt and confusion, I found a comfortable and safe place around her.” Regarding her bell choir experiences, Lois was very proud to have been selected as part of the Great Christmas Ring (a bell choir extravaganza) at Carnegie Hall.

Lois is survived by her loving husband, John; her two children Matthew (Adelle), and Sarah. She also leaves her siblings Paul (Kathy), Phil, Eunice (Brian), and Peter, her brothers and sisters in law Carrie (David), Don (Brooke), Melissa (Chris), Rick, and Rob (Tasha), plus numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Frederick and Marion Helen Hanebutt, and her sisters-in-law, Sherry (Phil) and Diane (Peter).

Lois spent her last several days as she wished – surrounded by family and friends while remaining on Beaver Island. Her time in hospice was very short with Lois publicly announcing her intentions to enter hospice just a week prior to her death. The family has been so grateful to the Beaver Island community for their support and all things large and small. As her final act of teaching, Lois donated her body to Wayne State University to be used for medical education.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Beaver Island Christian Church at 11:00 am.

Out of her love for the Beaver Island Community, donations can be made to: The Beaver Island Rural Health Center: Good Samaritan Fund and/or BI EMS. The Health Center and BI EMS are the lifeline for many medical services. These are the people who came and assisted Lois no matter the time. They often stopped in just to check in to see how she was doing. https://www.biruralhealth.org/make-a-donation/ or https://biems.org/donations/

Tunes Music Program: Lois was a musician, singer, and music director for many years. Consider donating to the Tunes program which provides free lessons and instruments to the island students. https://www.tunesmusicmakers.org/#give

The Beaver Island Community Center: Lois loved the activities and programs this center hosts. The community center is the hub for permanent residents and visitors alike. https://biccenter.org/donate/

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com