Barbourville, Ky. – Ruby Parker Campbell, 100, passed away January 30, 2021. Ruby was the daughter of Alex Parker and Ticie Miles Parker joyfully born to them on December 28, 1920 at Swan Pond, in Knox County.
Ruby was a graduate of Knox Central High School and Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. In 1974, Ruby united in marriage to Squire Bill Campbell. Ruby was an adored and dedicated teacher in the Knox County School System for over thirty-three years. She was truly a life-long teacher and role-model for her students – inside and outside of the classroom. Ruby loved life, her family and her church community. She was a devoted member of the East Barbourville Baptist Church. Ruby was a traveler. Throughout her life, whenever the opportunity to travel presented itself, Ruby “packed her bags”. She loved visiting new places and meeting interesting people. Ruby was also an avid UK Basketball fan – never missing a game. When reflecting upon Ruby’s life, she will always be remembered as having an unshakeable positive outlook on life and for being a blessing to all of those who were lucky to have known her.
In addition to her parents, Alex Parker and Ticie Miles Parker, Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 26 years Squire Bill Campbell and her stepson, Kelly Campbell. Ruby’s sister, Jewell Parker, her brother, Darius (D.A.) Parker, her sister-in-law, Vivian Parker, her step-grandson, Jeffrey Campbell, her step-daughters-in-law: Brenda Campbell and Rebecca (Becky) Campbell, and her step-son-in-law, Lloyd Buchanan, also preceded her in death.
Left behind to celebrate Ruby’s life are many cherished family members including: nieces, Sharon Parker Burnett and husband Don, and Brenda Parker Jenks and husband Steve; stepdaughter, Joyce Campbell Buchanan and stepson Kenneth Campbell; treasured step-grandchildren: Courtney Campbell and wife Elizabeth, Kyle Campbell, Krista Hamm, Ryan Campbell and wife Rachel, Stacy Imel and husband Chad, and Kevin Buchanan and wife Gina. Also left behind to celebrate Ruby’s life are her step-great-grandchildren: Chase Hamm, Caitlyn Postelnick, Jackson Campbell, Colton Campbell, Ramsey Campbell, Remi Campbell, Brayden Imel, Dane Imel, Bryce Imel, Amanda Buchanan, Daisy Buchanan, and step-great-great-granchildren: Carrigan Monroe and Jeffery Alan Hamm.
The family will receive friends, Thursday, February 4, 2021 at the East Barbourville Baptist Church from 2:00 PM until the funeral hour of 3:30 PM. The Reverend James Vandy and Reverend Josh Smith will officiate with musical tributes by Steve Chafin and Reverend Josh Smith. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at the Barbourville Cemetery. The family has chosen Courtney Campbell, George Hammons, Brain Erslan, Terry Messer, and John Payne as Casket Bearers.
The family would like to express a very special thank you to those that have cared for Ruby, like family, for the past two years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ruby’s memory to Bluegrass Care Navigators (Hospice) or to the East Barbourville Baptist Church.
The Hopper Family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, along with the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ruby Parker Campbell.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Ruby Parker Campbell.
Please remember that COVID – 19 restrictions are in effect: All persons attending services should wear a mask and social distance (six feet).
