Deana Jean Campbell, born Jan. 6, 1970, passed away suddenly of a brief illness on July 29, 2009. Deana leaves behind her loving husband and childhood sweetheart of 25 years, Trent Campbell and their two children, Angela (Ray Hopkins) and Aaron Campbell; two grandchildren, Elijah and Amya Hopkins; her parents, Wynema Sue Sloan and Gene William Sloan (Alice); her sisters Melody Sloan (Mark Britton), Tammy Sloan (Pal) and Tonya Rodriguez (Sergio); her brother, Angel Miller; and stepbrothers Eric (Danielle) and Nathan (Mandi) Langton. Deana’s sister, Renee Sloan predeceased her in 1989.

Deana also leaves behind her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Genevieve and Robert Campbell; brother-in-law Doug Phillips (Diana Martin); and sister-in-laws Sandy Phillips (Steve Gonzalez), Eileen Phillips and Krystal Campbell (Galdino Guevera). She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and many aunts and uncles too numerous to mention by name, but she loved them all and could tell you a special story about each of them.

One would consider Deana a Native American youth advocate because of her positions with the Cahto Tribe as the education director and CIMC’s Youth Services, but she was a strong advocate for all children. Deana was one of a few who were instrumental in bringing the Junior Giants and the Raiders Youth Football programs to the north county. In addition, Deana served on the Indian Education Advisory Council for Laytonville Unified School District, was actively involved with Healthy Start and their summer youth program and was a dedicated Brownie/Girl Scout Leader.

Two of her greatest achievements were being selected by State of California Indian Education as Parent of the Year and serving as a liaison between the Cahto Tribe and Laytonville Unified School District to organize and developed the annual Cahto Coast Walk as a local cultural event.

Deana loved learning new things and being involved in community events. She loved abalone diving and rock picking, camping and fishing, traveling and watching and coaching youth sports. She loved playing softball herself and she and Trent were making plans to have their own family softball team next year.

In keeping with her cultural spirit which was developed when she was a young native dancer, she later learned and loved basket weaving. She loved helping others and fought for Individual Indians Civil Rights, but most importantly of all she loved her family, her life and the people in her life. She had a heart of gold and will be greatly missed.

Viewing will be held at the family home 102 Acorn St., Cahto Rancheria, Laytonville. Services will be at Harwood Hall, 44400 Willis Avenue, Laytonville.