Irene Campbell age 94 passed 1/27/2026.

Deaconess Irene (aka just plain Irene) Campbell was born Irene Caroline Crago in Los Angeles, CA on Nov. 11, 1931.

She grew up in Long Beach, Ca, graduating from Jordan High School in 1949. 

One of her first jobs was at the Warner Bros Beverly Hills Theater on Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles.

Having only been ushering and serving in the concession stand, where she met and waited on some well-known actors, one night Irene was plopped cold into the ticket booth -- and the premiere was "White Christmas!"   She later reflected: "I couldn't believe how many people came through! - But I made it!"

Among other jobs, Irene had a 15-year stretch of managing "Long Beach Juice & Nutrition", a small, but more than hoppin' little Health Food Store, where she gained a wealth of info about vitamins and nutrition!  (She knew all about food dyes, whole milk, etc... WAY before the recent public acknowledgement!) 

Irene received her AA from Long Beach City College in June of 1979.  She then started sensing the leading of the Holy Spirit as her desire grew to serve her Savior as a Professional Deaconess.  Irene's congregation at the time, St. John Lutheran Church in Long Beach, confirmed this call of the Lord and gave her the support needed to begin the journey toward obtaining her BA and becoming a full-time Deaconess.  So, off she went to Concordia College, River Forest, Ill.  to complete her BA and to participate in (and graduate from) Concordia College's pilot Deaconess program.  She lived the dorm-life as a 'young!' 50-yr. old, with most who were half her age.  She took it very good naturedly when her room was totally T.P'd on her birthday!   Also, Irene's internship was served at Plymouth, Indiana, where she was assigned to the youth group.  Irene was a real trooper when she took them to the snow for an outing (as she really couldn't stand cold things! - be it ice in her drink or having to touch/handle something cold...like snow!) 

On May 21, 1983, Irene was awarded with her BA;  and on Oct. 5th,1985, her Deaconess Diploma.  She went on to serve at Zion Lutheran Church in Terra Bella, CA from July 9, 1988-Dec. 31, 1994.  At this time, Irene was also serving as Deaconess to Trinity Lutheran Church in Exeter, CA, about a half-hour drive away...so she definitely kept her running shoes on!

Since retiring/becoming "deaconess emeritus!" until her passing into the arms of Jesus, Irene felt very blessed with the many added relationships/friendships in Christ that developed throughout all of these years in the Oroville area and beyond.   She often voiced, up until the end, her thankfulness for both the older as well as the newest of friendships.  As she was slowing down, Irene continued teaching a women's Bible study group, playing a bit of piano here and there and watching Wheel of Fortune, followed by Jeopardy, each weeknight (to keep 'the little gray cells' working!)

Irene dearly loved her Lord and Savior and with His help, served Him as best she could.  She will be greatly missed but we also rejoice in knowing that she is with her Jesus, in whose shed blood alone she trusted for her salvation.

Irene was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Oroville, CA; a congregation she cherished deeply.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, a daughter and son-in-law, 4 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Memorial Service will be March 14th @1:00pm. It will be held at the Calvary Lutheran Church 10 Concordia Ln, Oroville, CA 95966.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oroville Funeral Home (530)533-0323.