Ofelia Campbell Olivarez

Saginaw, Michigan

Our beloved mother passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023, at the age of 86 years. Born on January 4, 1937, to the late Alberto Campbell, Sr. and Paulina (Garcia) Campbell-Martinez in Weslaco, Texas. She married Gilberto Olivarez on September 13, 1952. Together they celebrated 68 years of marriage.

Ofelia is survived by their four children: Robert (Rebecca) Olivarez, Gilbert Daniel (Grace) Olivarez, Hilda Lora Olivarez-Rodriguez, Patrick (Maria) Olivarez, 10 grandchildren, (Jeremy, Isaac, Marie, Javier, Amos, Julio, Lora Ofelia, Patrick, Melody Joy and Maximilian), 24 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as her siblings Elva Norton, Johnny Campbell, Mary Villareal, Sally Campbell, and Albert Campbell, Jr.

It was three weeks before Mother’s Day in May of 1967 when Ofelia attended a church service at Latin American Assembly of God Church on 17th Street in Saginaw, Michigan, later known as Harvest Assembly. From that day forward, she dedicated her life in humble service and devotion to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She remained a lifelong member, leader, and elder. She later extended her membership to Grace Valley Church.

Ofelia faithfully served her family, community, and church with passion and excellence in many capacities over the next five decades. She taught Sunday School, directed many of the church’s Christian Education programs, and was a choir member, mentor, and friend to children, youth, young couples, and the elderly. World missions held a special place in her heart. She served as Director of the Missionary Ministry of Harvest Assembly for many years creating annual educational events, monthly reports and communications, and financial sponsorship campaigns. With devotion, her leadership often served as many as 15 missionary families in as many countries of the world. She did not know a stranger, and often shared her gift of cooking, homemaking, and hospitality. Ofelia’s flare for fashion and décor delighted many and was a connection point in her family, church, and neighborhood, as well as in the workplace. Ofelia valued education and always shared her love for learning and teaching literacy, social sciences, science, Biblical studies, and personal growth. She achieved her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Education, and her State of Michigan Teacher certifications included all subjects from Early Childhood through 8th grade and Bilingual Education Specialist. Ofelia worked diligently throughout her life. Her career flourished during her years of service to the children and families of the Saginaw Public School District where she began as a Teacher’s Assistant and retired as a Classroom Teacher, often serving as Campus Administrator for summer programs. Her value and ongoing practice of education inspired those around her, especially her children and grandchildren.

Preceding Ofelia in death are her beloved husband, Gilberto Olivarez, her parents, Alberto Campbell and Paulina Martinez, her brother Victor Campbell, and her great-granddaughter Annalise Josephine Olivarez – born to be with the Lord.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Grace Valley Church, 4570 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603. Rev. Kurt Collison and The Olivarez Family will officiate with burial to follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit the family from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 31, 2023, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday.