Joseph Roth

Joseph (Joe) Lewis Roth, 77, of Ottawa, died Saturday, March 03, 2007, at home surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 6th at St. Columba Catholic Church with the Rev. Ron Dodd as the celebrant. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park with full military honors. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 5th at Gladfelter Funeral Home with liturgical prayers at 4. Mr. Roth was born September 16, 1929, in Ottawa, to John and Rose (Coleman) Roth. He was a proud graduate of Serena High School with the class of 1947. He married Donna Mae Soshea on February 14, 1953, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Ottawa. He served 3 years in the Korean Conflict with the U. S. Army as a corporal. He was formerly employed by Libbey-Owens-Ford in the maintenance department as a pipe fitter and retired from Western Weighing and Inspection Bureau as a auditor. He was a member of the national Multiple Sclerosis Society, Knights of Columbus, St. Columba Catholic Church, a life member of AMVETS and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Joe spent his retirement between Ottawa and Phoenix, Ariz. He was adored by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. As a young man, Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing and sports. He spent many years coaching in the Ottawa Little League Program, and was an avid follower of Marquette High School sports. He also found pleasure in gardening with his wife, Donna. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Donna; three daughters, Lisa R. (Dr. Daniel) Cheatham of Ottawa, Janice C. (Daniel) Hill of Grand Ridge, Wendy S. (Denis) Diederich of Ottawa; a son, James J. (Margaret) Roth of Chicago; 11 grandchildren, Daniel Jr, Becky and Michael Cheatham, Lacy, Joel and Tyler Hill, Sam and Mallory Foutch and Liam, Olivia and Brody Roth; five great grandchildren; a sister, Mary Schmitt of Ottawa; three brothers, Jack (Ruth) of Ottawa, William (Jean) Roth of Kentucky Lake, Robert (Shirley) Roth of Ottawa; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and a nephew, Tom Roth and a friend, John Dammann. Memorials may be directed in his name to Marquette High School and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.