Kathryn Nelle (Campbell) Dean

Kathryn died peacefully at home under hospice care. Born in Alturas, Calif., to Alex and Doris Campbell, she grew up in King City after Alex was promoted to Chief Forest Ranger of the Northern District of Los Padres National Forest. She had an idyllic small-town childhood making many, life-long friends from her Division Street neighborhood. The city pool and fairgrounds were just down the street, her schools within walking distance, and her horse always ready for an adventure. Her father discovered an old log cabin at Pacific Valley, which became not only his office on the coast but vacation and summer headquarters for family and friends. Kathryn's days there were filled with hiking, camping, skinny dipping in Prewitt Creek, fishing at the "Big Hole", and riding her horse on Sand Dollar Beach.

Kathryn graduated from King City High School. In her senior year, she was voted both Head Cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. Her senior class prediction was "Miss America," which might well have been fulfilled had tragedy not struck. The day after graduation, she was in a dune buggy accident and suffered a serious spinal cord injury. She was treated at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and Stanford Hospital. She rehabilitated at her parent's home for the next year with the invaluable assistance of their family friend, Connie Vincenz.

Kathryn went to UCSB, where she was a familiar figure riding to classes on her adult tricycle with Canadian crutches sticking up from the rear basket. She graduated with her Master's Degree in Speech Pathology and went on to have a 33-year career as a Special Education teacher in the Santa Ynez Valley. Kathryn loved to travel and wheeled across every continent except Antarctica. She also loved languages and added French and Italian to her Spanish skills. She delighted in connecting with people from other cultures in their own language. She was always a connector, founding a book club, initiating a crafting group, starting a French language class, and hosting reunions with her King City "River Girls" and her college roommates.

Language and spirituality were at the center of her life. Beyond her career, she volunteered with ESL, helped elementary school children with reading, and worked with stroke patients. Kathryn was an active member at Trinity Episcopal Church, especially the Bible study groups. Despite her compromised body – "my earth suit" as she liked to call it – she met life's challenges with great courage, determination, and optimism. She was a shining example of love, generosity, and kindness and an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

She is survived by Michael, her husband of 52 years; her older brothers, Craig (Anne) and Thomas (Susan) Campbell; six nephews and nieces, and 12 grand nieces and nephews. Her memorial service will be held on April 15, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Santa Barbara. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charitable organization of your choice.

Published in King City Rustler · March 23, 2023