Ruby Campbell Kilgour (Campbell being her middle name) was born on August 19, 1889 in Cornwall, Ontario. She was raised in Cornwall and received a teaching diploma from the University of Toronto in 1908. She taught at public schools in Cornwall for four years before going back to university to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Queen's University, graduating in 1915 and returning to her career as a public school teacher. She married John William (J.W.) Campbell in 1917 but remained in Cornwall as John served in the military during the First World War.

After the war, J.W. and Ruby Campbell moved to Iowa City, Iowa where J.W. taught at the University of Iowa until 1920. At that time, Dr. Campbell accepted a position in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Alberta and moved to Edmonton on his own. Ruby was pregnant and she stayed in Cornwall, Ontario with her family until the birth of her son, Donald K. Campbell, in December, 1920. Ruby and Donald then rejoined John Campbell in Edmonton. A second child, Elizabeth, was born in 1924.

When J.W. Campbell received a position on the University of Alberta faculty, Ruby was discouraged from working as it was seen as inappropriate for the wife of a professor to do so. She subsequently left her teaching career, which she later regretted.

Ruby was very active in the Edmonton community, becoming a member of the University Women's Club, Knox United Church, the Tri Psi Sorority, and the Edmonton Centre for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. She also wrote poetry, some of which was published by her daughter, Elizabeth. Ruby Campbell died in Edmonton in July, 1980.