Barbara K. Campbell

Barbara Kate Swartz Campbell, 79, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, with family by her side in Belvidere, IL. She was born on February 20, 1946 in Morgan County, Alabama, the daughter of Limus and Mildred Murphy. She married Robert R. Swartz on January 16, 1966, in Cotaco, Alabama. They were married until his passing on July 12, 1982. Barb and Bob co-owned and operated B & B News Agency and the distribution rights for the Chicago Sun Times in the Rockford area for many years. She worked for several newspapers throughout her career and retired from Publishing Management Associates in April 2011.  Barb enjoyed gardening and had a passion for cooking—her beloved chicken and dumplings will be especially missed. Above all, she cherished the time spent with her five grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Cynthia (Joel) Hallstrom and Robert Jason Swartz; grandchildren, Maya (Amiel) Hallstrom of Ames, IA, Ella (Marcus) Hallstrom of Rockford, IL, MaryKate Heusel of Huntsville, AL and Addison Swartz and Riley Swartz, both of Cascade, IA; sister, Kathy Farrow of Chattanooga, TN; brother, Michael (Donna) Murphy of Albertville, AL; nieces and nephews, Tina Allen, Tammy (Bruce) Payne, Tonya Oney, Bill (Catherine) Nellist, Robert Howard (Cathern) Nellist, Lawrence (Lori) Nellist, and Brenda (Rick) Roberts; special friend, Cathy Wargo; and best friend since first grade, Peggy Kent. Predeceased by her father, Limus Murphy; mother, Mildred Murphy; sister, Linda (John) Halbert and Martha Jo (Ken) Speegle; husband, Robert "Bob" Swartz; son, Mark Edward Swartz; and daughter, Teri Lynn (John) Heusel.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the nursing staff at Park Place in Belvidere and Northern Illinois Hospice.

Visitation will be from 10:00am to 11:15am with the Memorial Service at 11:15am on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL 61111. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Rockford.  

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