Betty Samundsen, wife of the late Rev. Reynold Samundsen, passed away in Batavia, Illinois on February 28, 2026. She was 88.
Betty Jean Campbell was born July 22, 1937, to parents Roy and Mabel (Wick) Campbell. She was born into a large and loving blended family in Victoria Township, Illinois. She began her schooling in Galva, spending her first five years in a one-room schoolhouse. When she began high school, her family moved to Galesburg.
After graduating from high school, Betty was hired by the Knox College Credit Bureau. She later accepted a position with the Intra State Telephone Company in Galesburg, working in the Services Department to set up orders and dispatch installers. During this time, her supervisor, Charlotte, introduced her to the Covenant Church and to the experience of genuine Christian love and support. Betty was baptized and joined the church on Easter morning — a moment that shaped the rest of her life.
Two years later, Betty enrolled at North Park College, where she eventually changed her major from Christian Education to Elementary Education. From that point on, she was a teacher at heart. Over the years, she taught students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults, and found deep joy in helping others learn and grow.
While attending North Park, Betty met her future husband, Reynold. She supported him as he continued his studies at the Seminary, and together they served churches in the Canada Conference and later in Wisconsin and Michigan. After Reynold retired from full-time ministry, they moved to the Covenant Living at the Holmstad, where they continued to serve in many ways. Reynold worked as a chaplain for several years, and Betty volunteered both with the local school district and in numerous roles on campus.
Beyond teaching, Betty loved sewing, reading, and gardening — hobbies she carried with her throughout her life. She devoted countless hours to serving others, both in her community and in the church. Time with family was especially important to her, and many family vacations were spent visiting loved ones across Canada and the United States.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Reynold, her parents; siblings Shirley (John) Carter, Lula (David) Hopping, Lindy (Wonda) Campbell, Belva Cooper, Cleo (James) Frakes, Marilyn Swanson (survived by her husband, Kenneth); and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her children, Ruth (Eric) Michael and Paul Samundsen; her cherished grandchildren Adam Michael, Emily (George) Aleksandrovich, Aaron Michael, Patrick, Andrew, and Michael Samundsen; sister-in-law Doris (John) Pester; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is being planned for spring or early summer.
Peace be to her memory.
