Camille Calhoun

Camille Calhoun passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, at the age of 85, following a courageous seven-year battle with glioblastoma.

Camille was born on July 30, 1940, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Marjorie and Lyman Case. She graduated from Grinnell High School in 1958 and went on to attend the University of Iowa, earning her B.A. degree in elementary education in 1962. While at Iowa, she was an active member of Pi Beta Phi women’s fraternity and served as drum major for the University of Iowa Scottish Highlanders, performing at home football games and touring Europe. During her time at Iowa, Camille met the love of her life, John Calhoun, and the couple married on August 5, 1962.

Camille and John initially lived in Iowa City, where Camille taught at Horace Mann Elementary. After the birth of Michael in 1966 and Ann in 1969, the family moved to Winterset, Iowa, where Camille continued her teaching career.

In 1979, the family relocated to West Des Moines, Iowa, where Camille devoted her time primarily to her family, community volunteering, and later to professional service. She volunteered with Blank Children’s Hospital, the Des Moines Symphony Guild, and many other community organizations. These efforts ultimately led to her role as Director of Volunteer Relations for the Iowa Methodist Health Foundation.

Camille was an avid Hawkeye fan and enjoyed participating in numerous groups over the years, including the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club, the P.E.O. Sisterhood (where she achieved more than 50 years of membership), and the Circle of Friends Book Club. Camille and John cherished time at their lake home in northern Minnesota and embarked on many adventures together, traveling to all seven continents. Later in life, she enthusiastically embraced weekly mahjong games with friends.

Above all else, Camille was devoted to her family, and especially to her two grandsons, Brian and C.J. From the moment of their arrival, it was clear that the family hierarchy had permanently shifted. Known lovingly as “Ba,” she was a wonderful cook and set an impossibly high standard for mashed potatoes and chocolate brownies that will never quite be matched.

Camille is survived by her children, Michael Calhoun of West Des Moines and Ann (Mark) Spellman of Waukee; her grandsons, Brian Spellman and C.J. Spellman of Waukee; and her loyal Labrador and constant companion, Bodi. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, John; her parents, Marjorie and Lyman Case; and her parents-in-law, John and Opal Calhoun.

Camille’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, WesleyLife Hospice, her dear friends Betty and Linda, and the dedicated home health team who went above and beyond to care for her when she needed it most.

A celebration of Camille’s life will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa, with a prayer service beginning at 3:00 p.m. followed by time for visitation until 5:30 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation through the links on this page to either the Camille and John Calhoun Family Medical Research Fund or the John and Camille Calhoun Engineering Scholarship, both administered through the University of Iowa Center for Advancement.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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