Joanne Campbell

“When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:25–26

Joanne Campbell, 92, of Harrisville, went home peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on November 25, 2025.

Born in Forestville, PA, to Charles and Lida Fryman, Joanne graduated from Grove City High School in 1951. From her earliest years, she was marked by a quiet strength and a servant’s heart. She lived her life as a true Proverbs 31 woman—faithful, wise, industrious, and generous. All who knew her would agree that she embodied the virtues of that passage, pouring her love into her family, her church, her community, and into anyone—human or animal—who needed care. She took in “strays” of every kind, fed the poor, and performed countless charitable acts known fully only to her Maker.

Joanne loved to talk, and most of all she loved talking about her love for Christ. Of all her accomplishments in life, her greatest joy and deepest legacy was introducing her family to Jesus. She taught by example, with a gentleness and patience that was rare. She never got upset with anyone, choosing instead to respond with grace, understanding, and prayer. To her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she was not only a caregiver, but a gifted teacher—passing down faith, wisdom, and the simple beauty of living a Christ-centered life.

During her early career as a secretary at Cooper Bessemer in Grove City, she met the love of her life, Merle Campbell. Together they built a family grounded in faith and devotion. After raising their six children, Joanne continued to serve her community through various roles—working at Harrisville Hardware as a sales clerk, helping at Natili Farm Market, cleaning Family Practice in Harrisville, and tending to Friendship Presbyterian Church alongside her husband. She also served faithfully on the Board of Voter Elections and worked as a poll worker for the Butler County Election Board.

Her hands were rarely still. She delighted in cooking for her family and was known for making the best potato salad in three counties. She baked pies, sewed for her children and grandchildren, crafted costumes for her grandchild, and created whimsical cement goose outfits for everyone else. She enjoyed planting flowers and shrubs, adding beauty wherever she could. Even in her 80s and 90s, Joanne still lovingly babysat her great-grandchildren, giving them the same patience, warmth, and Christlike love she had always shown.

A lifetime member of Bethel United Presbyterian Church—now Friendship Church in Slippery Rock—Joanne lived out her faith through steadfast service, quiet humility, and an unwavering trust in the Lord.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Merle, to whom she was devoutly faithful; her son, Stephen Campbell; her parents, Charles and Lida Fryman; her sisters Nancy Stowe, Jean Rostas, Mary Williams; and her brothers Carl and Chuck Fryman.

Joanne is survived by her five children: Cindy Tuskan, Jay (Amy Ryder) Campbell, Nancy (George) Natili, Scott (Robin) Campbell, and Melanie (Mark Weidner) Frampton.

She is cherished in memory by her grandchildren: Christopher (Shana Vath) Gannon, Chelle Kroll, Jen (Martie) Gilliland, Tiffany (Dan) Sybert, Emily (Josh) Goble, Matthew (Cathy) Campbell, Mitchell Campbell, John (Blythe) Black, Philip (Beth) Frampton, Chelsea (Andrew) Sasse, Sam (Samantha) Campbell, Lydia Frampton, Matthew Weidner, Nichole (Dan) Campbell, Benjamin Natili, Syvil (Michael) Rott, and Michael Campbell.

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Meg (Michelle) Gannon, David Sybert, Eric Kroll, Luke Sybert, Matthew Sybert, Anna Kroll, Lily Sybert, Nicholas Frampton, Holden Campbell, Jackson Campbell, Kyren Campbell, Amelia Sybert, Damian Frampton, Harlen Campbell, Xander Campbell, Carly (Chris) Nirchel, Jack Campbell, Angelo Natili, Zane Rott, Hannah Rott, Mackenzie Goble, Jackson Goble, Amelia Weidner, Mason Weidner, Aubrey Weidner.

Her legacy continues through her great-great-grandchildren: Margot Steele, and soon-to-arrive Lennon Gannon.

She is also survived by her beloved animal friends, Merle and King Louie, who brought her so much joy.  Joanne is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Joanne’s life was a testimony to God’s love—faithful, generous, patient, and joyfully given to others. Though she will be deeply missed, those who love her rest in the blessed assurance that she is now in the presence of her Savior, reunited with her beloved Merle, and welcomed with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

 Joanne’s memorial service will take place Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the Friendship Presbyterian Church, 877 Franklin Street, Slippery Rock.  The service will start will at noon. 

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritans Purse, or a charity of one’s choice.   

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