Mary Ellen Campbell

Mary Ellen Campbell, age 61, of Neillsville, WI passed away with her family at her side on Thursday April 7th 2016. She was born May 9th, 1954 in Dickey County, ND to Kenneth E. and Leona M. Smith. Mary Ellen was raised and graduated High School in Neillsville, WI. Mary Ellen worked two years at the Model Laundry and dry cleaners. She began her 38 year career at Mallegni's supermarket in the bakery later becoming manager and professional cake decorator, staying on through seven ownership changes. Later she finished her career working for Kwik Trip in the bakery. She decorated a wide variety of cakes throughout her career including birthday, wedding, and specialty cakes such as the fully edible, three dimensional four wheeler for Nelson Muffler. Mary Ellen enjoyed a tradition she started many years ago baking and personally distributing a wide variety of Christmas cookies with many family, friends, and neighbors.On multiple occasions Mary Ellen was asked to display and demonstrate her quilling art at Tufts Museum. Later she had an original design published in Priscilla Hauser's art book. She loved to participate in dance classes and was a member of a dance club which performed six times on stage for the public.She enjoyed being a goat keeper, at one point caring for a herd of 22. She was invited to show her goats at Neillsville Heritage Days on several occasions, typically bringing a doe and twins. Her hobbies included oil painting, making her own books, macrame, basket weaving, sewing & embroidery, collecting salt and pepper shakers, and goat figurines. Photography was one of her great interests, periodically being asked to be the wedding photographer. She has been a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church since 2001.Mary Ellen appreciated intricate basket designs collecting varying shapes, sizes, made of unique materials as well as delighting in the beauty of all plants and flowers.She cherished all living creatures with a special fondness for squirrels, chipmunks, and loved snails because the circular nature of their shells inspired thoughts of infinity.She will be remembered by her son Michael J. Campbell, Cypress, TX, Sister, Elizabeth A (Dave) Serchen, Marshfield, WI, Brother, Charles E. (Stacy Mae Hart) Smith, Merrillan, WI, Gentleman friend Gale Best, Mondovi, WI, Honorary daughter Kathy Weber, Houston, TX, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and neighbors. Also survived by her sweet, sweet, Dancer dog, a purebred Alaskan Husky.She was predeceased by her parents Kenneth E. and Leona Smith, Richard "Shot" Campbell, and her beloved canine companion Gumby.Visitation Sunday April 10, 2016 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.Funeral services will be Monday April 11, 2016 with additional visitation beginning 10:00 am and service at 11:00 am, location being the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 316 West 5th St, Neillsville, WI.Casket Bearers are: Michael Campbell, Charles E. Smith, Gale Best, Jason Jennerman, Clifford Jennerman, and Austin Jennerman.Mary Ellen enjoyed life and cared deeply.Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Mary Ellen's family with Funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456