Another star has joined the heavenly throng. Eugenia Christine (Campbell) Brocka walked onto those streets of gold on August 1, 2024. Surrounded by applause and song, she felt completely at home. From above, the big screen came down announcing the next film entitled “The Giving Girl and the Generous Woman: the Life of Eugenia.”
A hush fell over the celestial congregation as a tiny star exploded on screen into a scene of Eugenia’s entry into the world. Born in Butler, MO, on Nov. 19, 1963, this starlet joined the family of Iva Ruth (Cumpton) and Russell Eugene Campbell. Eugenia soon met her brother, Jimmie, and her sisters, Elaine, Linda, and Tina. Following in their footsteps, she attended all twelve years at the Rich Hill schools where her gifts, especially the gifts of happiness and laughter, became her trademark. From bit parts to major roles in school plays and the trophies she earned in Duet Acting competitions, Eugenia’s excellence as a scholar never wavered. She gave the valedictorian address for her class of 1982.
Upon graduation, “Gena” began performances on two stages: at Farm & Home as a loyal employee, and at the McGennis Old Barn Theatre as a crowd favorite whether as a young ingenue or an old bag woman. She was never happier than when her work brought joy to her colleagues, her bosses, the small children in front of the Barn audiences, and the people who longed for laughter in their lives. Later, she transitioned into employment by the Nevada Rehabilitation Center until retirement in 2021.
Her stint at the Old Barn let Eugenia spread her gift with her family since her mom, her brother-in-law (Rick), her son, her nieces and assorted kin became regular (or irregulars) on stage. Still wanting to give more to others, Eugenia’s spotlight fell on her heartmate, Greg Brocka. On June 25, 1988, Eugenia became Mrs. Brocka, and step-mom to Amy and Chris. Once again she was plunged into all the activities of the Rich Hill schools. By 1990, her family increased by one with the birth of Ryan.
Family time and work time flickered through Eugenia’s life. And as a generous woman, she became the “virtuous woman” of Proverbs as she was baptized in 2000 on Ryan’s birthday. Her Heavenly Director had her “stretching out her hand to the poor...and the needy.” She was often the first to send a casserole or a buttermilk chocolate cake to a family in crisis. Her delivery “boy” Greg proved to be one to spread her love with care. He also knew the value of her supporting kids who needed a donation to attend a camp and who would remain in “the wings” while feeding the football boys or the basketball teams.
This giving, generous star was, at times, quirky. Eugenia befriended all the local merchants so she could get the first flats of strawberries which she promptly divided to cherished friends and sisters. Another gift (from her catered-to hens) was a dozen of large farm eggs, complete with her own special branding label. Labels and card-making gave this star an extra sparkle while creating more joy for the recipients of her generosity. Nothing was so sweet as creating birth announcements for her two grandchildren, Nash and Reese.A happy star makes for a happy community, a happy family, and a fulfilled spirit. Her Heavenly film began to fade with a flurry of hummingbirds and orioles. Her Savior stood beside this “giving girl and generous woman” to comfort her as she “dwells in the house of the Lord” with that celestial congregation surrounding this new and shining star of heaven, Eugenia Brocka.
Eugenia is survived by her husband, Greg; and her son, Ryan (Molly) Brocka and their children, Nash and Reese, of Rich Hill. She is also survived by her step-children Chris (Jenni) Brocka and Amy (Randy) Kalm both of Oklahoma City. Step-grandchildren Brantley, Jordyn, Kaden, Gracie, Peyton, Avery, Greyson, and Violet. Siblings Jimmie (Kitty) Campbell of Butler, Elaine (Steve) Engelhardt of Ballard, Linda (Ricky) Jagels of Rockville, and Tina (Bruce) Buckner of Rich Hill. Aunt “Gigi” is survived by 12 nieces and nephews as well as a host of extended family and beloved friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father and two infant brothers, Stephen Ray and Russell Dale.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for the Rich Hill United Methodist Church or the McGennis Youth Center.
Eugenia’s Tribute will be held at the Rich Hill Dome, at 1:00 pm on Sunday, September 1, 2024. A meal will be served from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, all are invited for the meal.
Sunday, September 1, 2024
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)
Rich Hill R-IV School
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