Arylie Anne (Dietrich) Campbell

Arylie Anne Dietrich Campbell, a classic yet contemporary lady, passed away May 12, 2023. A lifelong resident of East Lansing, she earned both her BA and MA degrees from Michigan State University in the 1950’s. She was a dedicated career woman, and volunteer while running a household of three sons. While attending MSU, Arylie wrote for the Spartan Magazine and joined the Alpha Xi Delta (secretary) sorority, member of Presidents Club and Beaumont Society.

Born September 20, 1931 to German parents John Dietrich and Linda (Rogner) Dietrich from Saginaw, Arylie was the eldest of three daughters, Janet Kay Dietrich (Kenneth McQueen) Manchester by the Sea, MA and Simmey Lynn Dietrich (M. J. Ketchum) of Worthington, OH. The three sisters are lifelong close friends that were known to have shared many adventures and laughs together. The girls, all graduates of Sexton High, MSU and UM respectively, shared a cottage on Gun Lake in Hastings, MI across from their parents as they raised their young families in the summers together.

Arylie was part of the local Dietrich and Schaberg families that were very involved in the development and growth of Greater Lansing. Her father had seven brothers and two sisters all relocating to Lansing to participate in the family businesses: Schaberg Dietrich Hardware, Worthington Building Supplies, Schultz, Schneider and Steel, Vandervorts and Adidas sporting goods. Adidas brand sporting goods was brought to the USA in 1955 by the Dietrich family and they oversaw the great expansion in north America for over 30 years. Arylie loved to help host the annual Schaberg Dietrich family Christmas party with her close group of cousins and the annual celebration packed the Country Club of Lansing. As a child growing up in Lansing’s Jenison neighborhood, she blossomed as an equestrian, figure skater, pianist and proficient harpist, in addition to leading neighborhood plays.

After MSU, Arylie started her teaching career at Lansing’s Barnes elementary school. She found her inner Scotswoman as she met and married Robert Raymond Campbell from East Lansing High School and Michigan State University. Together she and Bob raised three boys, Robert (Denise Fabian), Peter (Ellen Brennan) and Cary Campbell. Grandma C to seven grandchildren and now two great grandchildren, she was ever an example of support and love (athletics, concerts and paddle boat rides). Robert and Arylie built their dream home together in Whitehills Lakes and were the second family to reside in the neighborhood. Arylie loved to accent her interior decor with Campbell Tartan plaid, and often had the family dressed in matching plaid as well. The Campbells were noted East Lansing Garden Club members and always had expansive home landscape adorned by hundreds of English roses. ELHS class reunions and annual holiday parties at their home were among their favorite activities in addition to national and international travel. As a young lady, Arylie saved her work money from Knapp’s Department store for her first European trip, fresh out of college to Italy, France and Germany with the voyage starting from New York on the famous Queen Elizabeth 2. Years later Arylie and Bob recreated the QE 2 Voyage to Europe.

True Spartans, they attended the 1966 Rose Bowl game and were season ticket holders to MSU football and basketball for the extent of their 50 year marriage; game day was a family ritual. Family trips were focused on the Lake Cottage and Spring voyages to Siesta Key and Colony Beach Resort, fun days of beach, tennis and golf. Members at the Court One Tennis Club, University Club and both Country Club of Lansing and Walnut Hills Country Club, Arylie and Bob enjoyed doubles tennis, twilight golf matches, annual derby days and club event dinners. They shared a love of the Lansing Symphony as well as big band music, dancing the night away as members of the Benedict & Town Club dinner dance clubs. Arylie was an active office holder and lifelong sustaining member of the Junior League. Arylie and Bob enjoyed being in the JL follies (vaudeville show) and won a trip to NYC Waldorf Astoria with the family for selling the most tickets. Always the organizer and volunteer, Arylie was the lead Cub Scout Den Mother, President of Hannah PTO, Sunday school teacher and Elder at The Peoples Church, Kiwanis Club member, Docent at the MSU Kresge Art Center, volunteer with MSU Wharton Center and Sparrow Hospital among other organizations.

After making sure her boys had a good start in school, athletics, working toward Eagle Scout and with Bob coaching the boy’s athletics, Arylie reentered the work force. First as a substitute teacher along with teaching dyslexic and special needs children in the East Lansing school system. Her second career started as office manager for her good friend Kay Logan Champagne properties. Arylie then became a licensed agent, President of the Women’s Council as a member of the Lansing Board of Realtors and received the million dollar sales award. Arylie was known as the “nice neighborhood agent” a long-time friend to all she worked with.

As they moved on in years, Arylie and Bob loved to host and travel to their Bay Harbor cottage, visit Harbor Springs for the 4th as well as see friends and grandchildren on Higgins, Charlevoix and Walloon Lakes. Arylie always maintained her love of golf (three golf leagues), tennis and everything dance. She shared a love of English riding with son Pete and enjoyed golf with her children and grandchildren and on courses developed and operated by her son’s Cary and Bob. Her last dance recital was at the age of 85 where she starred on another follies tap dance line. Always well-appointed setting a standard in decorum and style from college poodle skirts to her Burberry dress days at Burcham Hills retirement home. Her health care helpers who adored her would often call her “Miss Hollywood”. A true spirit and strong willed, graceful lady that had the gift of critique and personal betterment. Through her love, direction and dedicated efforts to give back to family and community she has enhanced many lives.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 11:00AM with a visitation one hour prior at People's Church of East Lansing, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Arylie may be made to the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1210 W. Saginaw, Lansing , MI 48915.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.