Bettie A. Campbell
Bettie Alice Campbell (née Miller; formerly Burnett), 80, of Mount Laurel, NJ, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025.
Born on October 10, 1944, in Akron, Ohio, Bettie was the beloved daughter of Benjamin Harding Miller and Betty Ilene Miller (née Stuart). She was the cherished wife of the late Thomas Edward Campbell and the loving mother of Nicholas Harding Burnett, Stephen Cameron Burnett (Kathleen), Beth Ann Lohne (Craig), and Kristin Jeannette O’Dowd (Christopher). Bettie was also a devoted stepmother to William Campbell (Brenda), Timothy Campbell (Susan), Ellamarie Campbell, and Patrick Campbell (Melanie). She was a proud Mimi (grandmother) to Brittany Scher (Robert), Justin Burnett, Oliver Zulauf (Burnett), Casey Lohne (deceased), Aidan Lohne, Bridget Burnett, Finnegan Burnett, Maeve Burnett, Kayleigh O’Dowd, and Brianna O’Dowd. She also lovingly embraced her step-grandchildren Connor, Thomas, Michael, Timmy, Haley, Mackenzie, Madison, and Austin.
Bettie is survived by her cousins Cindy Mellon (Scott), Jamie Mellon, Juli Moore (Henry), and many others, her long-time friend and companion Kim Vavolo, and her extended “dog show family”, along with countless friends.
A Life Well Lived
A graduate of Our Lady of the Elms (Class of 1962), Bettie studied nursing at The Ohio State University. Her love for animals became a lifelong passion and career as a breeder and professional handler of American Cocker Spaniels. For over 50 years, she built her Bellburn Cockers legacy, producing over 50 champions and bringing joy to families with her loving companions. After marrying esteemed handler Thomas Campbell, they formed a dynamic duo, handling many top winners for clients worldwide. Together they traveled the world, showcasing her expertise in the show ring, with highlights that included winning Best of Variety at the Westminster Dog Show. Bettie also took pride in serving on the board of the American Spaniel Club as Show Chair, mentoring newcomers and sharing her deep knowledge of the breed. When not in the show ring, together they ran P’Gell’s Kennel for boarding and grooming in Mount Laurel, NJ for decades.
In her earlier years, Bettie enjoyed competitive roller skating, spending time at her father’s hunting camp, and making memories with her grandmother on the family farm. Bettie loved crafting of all kinds —quilting, knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitching — and she spent countless happy hours gardening, watching birds, and enjoying her beautiful flowers alongside her cherished dogs. Affectionately called “our Snow White”, she shared a special bond with animals and nature. Being born and raised in Ohio, Bettie was also an avid fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes, famous for her apple pie, and Buckeye candies.
Bettie dedicated herself to improving the health of Cocker Spaniels through her breeding program and various education seminars for the Cocker Spaniel Foundation and was a lifetime member of the Southern New Jersey Cocker Spaniel Club.
A Legacy of Love
Bettie will be remembered as a loving mother, Mimi, and friend. Her warmth, kindness, and generosity touched everyone she met—she truly never met a stranger. Bettie taught us all to live fully, love deeply, and laugh often, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and joy.
Service Information
A celebration of Bettie’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Live Like Casey, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation established in honor of her grandson, Casey. Donations can be made at www.livelikecasey.com