Marcy Ann Campbell

Marcy Ann Campbell died May 28, 2024 at the Kavanaugh House hospice. A visitation will be held Monday, June 3, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1025 - 28th Street, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM.

Marcy was born September 27, 1954 in Heidelberg, Germany to Doyle and Elaine (Grim) Campbell. Growing up, she lived in Ottawa, Kansas, Fort Worth, Texas and Dodge City, Kansas. Marcy was a 4th generation Presbyterian on both sides of her family – Northern, Southern and Cumberland branches. Her Presbyterian roots run all the way back to Scotland. She always said, “Cut me and I bleed plaid.” At age 16, she was ordained as a deacon in the Presbyterian church.

Marcy graduated from Dodge City High School in 1972 and Dodge City Community College in 1974. She then went to the University of Kansas where she became a super life-long KU fan – “Rock Chalk!” She graduated in 1977 with a double BS in Journalism and Secondary Education. She was a member of Sigma Delta Chi, a society of professional journalists.

Marcy taught journalism at Highland Park High School in Topeka, Kansas. She then travelled to Texas where she was a Josten’s yearbook representative. She also taught at Southwest Texas State University. Marcy became a photographer at the Texas House of Representatives. She recalls meeting her heroine Ann Richards and Rick Perry when he was a first-year representative – braces and all.

Answering the call to ministry, Marcy received a scholarship to the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1990. She was ordained a Minister of Word and Sacrament serving churches in Carlton and Mt. Pleasant, Kansas. Marcy then moved to Missouri serving the First Fulton Presbyterian Church and the Martinsburg Community Church.

Marcy married George Marshall in 1992. Of this union, a daughter, Caitlin Grimm Campbell was born in 1994. They later divorced.

While in Missouri, Marcy had further education to serve as a Stephen Minister, Interim Pastor and Pastoral Counselor.

Marcy then returned to Kansas serving churches in Coffeyville, Toronto, Yates Center and Neodesha. While in Coffeyville, Marcy had a weekly radio show and opened Skypilot Counseling Services. Having been a Camp Fire girl in her youth, Marcy enjoyed leading a Camp Fire group for Caitlin and other young people. She was also a graduate of Leadership Coffeyville.

Marcy moved to Iowa in 2008. She worked as a chaplain for Iowa Hospice and Calvin Community. She also served as an interim pastor in Perry and Ottumwa. Marcy provided pulpit supply in the Presbytery of Des Moines for churches at Union Park, Lucas and Fort Des Moines.

After a long relationship, Marcy married Peri Van Tassel in 2017.

In addition, Marcy served the Presbyterian Church by reading ordination exams, leading the Older Adult Ministry Task Force and participating on several committees. She honorably retired in 2018. Most recently, Marcy served as the Parish Associate for the Covenant Presbyterian Church in West Des Moines. To culminate thirty-plus years in ministry, Marcy hoped to serve as a commissioner to the Presbyterian Church’s General Assembly in Salt Lake City this summer, but it was not meant to be. She will be there in spirit.

Marcy enjoyed KU basketball and football, the Chicago Cubs, professional bull riding, Peanuts characters, especially the Red Baron, ABBA and good steak – preferably rare.

Marcy is survived by her daughter, Caitlin of Omaha; wife, Peri of West Des Moines; and her beloved Doberman, Sheena. She is also survived by her sister, Peggy Moran of Kansas; as well as her niece, Shannon Moran of England; and her nephew, Patrick Moran of Wyoming. Marcy was preceded in death by her parents, Doyle and Elaine; her grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

Memorials may be directed to the Presbytery of Des Moines’ Living Legacy Fund. The fund supports congregational revitalization, leadership development, mission, youth ministries and new worshiping communities.